Annina Loets: "Intersectional Disadvantage"

Annina Loets, Humboldt-Universität Berlin: "Intersectional Disadvantage"

Abstract
In this talk I present a theory of intersectional disadvantage, the specific disadvantage experienced by those simultaneously occupying several social identities. Two dimensions of intersectional disadvantage, its source and its content, are distinguished, and it is shown how central tenets of intersectionality theory can be precisely stated and defended on this theory without committing to a particular view on social identity. Moreover, the theory affords a consistent account of the relation between intersectional disadvantage and privilege and affords natural responses to prominent objections to intersectionality theory, such as its proclivity to regress problems and its divisive effects on social movements.