Intersectionality: A Philosophical Framework

by Naomi Zack

In Intersectionality, philosopher Naomi Zack presents a novel philosophical account of intersectionality - the process by which people already oppressed, experience more oppression because of their intersecting identities. Examples include women who experience racism or poor people who are under-served. Identifying such intersections allows for more precise analysis of oppression, as well as newly recognized identities, such as blackwomen or homeless people of colour. Zack here explores the meaning of intersectionality through analysis of current events and controversies including the #MeToo movement, the COVID-19 pandemic, and class opportunities for minorities in higher education. Her analysis develops a robust definition of intersectionality in terms of inclusion, recognition, and diversity; works out ontological issues about the relationship between persons, labels, and identity; explores the distinction between abstract philosophical thinking and activism; and discusses how intersectionality can be an effective basis for empowerment, as well as understanding. Zack's distinctively philosophical account explains how intersectionality, considered as a method of analysis, works and can be employed in many areas of progressive thought across varying disciplines. She concludes that identifying and challenging the injustice of oppressions logically requires a broad humanistic framework, that intersectionality cannot be reduced to mere talk of diversity and inclusion, and that intersectionality itself is a progressive method of analysis worthy of philosophical attention.

200 pages, Hardcover

Published March 6, 2024

About the author

Naomi Zack is a professor of philosophy at the University of Oregon. She is a prolific author, having published seven books in addition to a large number of papers and contributed chapters in feminist ethics, particularly in areas having to deal with race or disaster.

Reviews

[Michael Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intersectionality: A Philosophical Framework offers a thoughtful examination of intersectionality from a distinctly philosophical perspective. I found Naomi Zack's effort to move beyond a general discussion of diversity and inclusion particularly interesting. The book looks at how different forms of disadvantage can overlap and create experiences that are not fully understood when each issue is considered separately.

What stood out to me was the range of subjects Zack brings into the discussion. By considering issues such as the MeToo movement, the COVID-19 pandemic, education, identity, and social inequality, the book shows how intersectionality can be used as a method of analysis across different areas. The discussion of the relationship between people, labels, and identity also adds a deeper philosophical dimension to the subject.

Overall, this is a useful and thought provoking book for readers interested in philosophy, ethics, identity, social justice, and contemporary social issues. It presents intersectionality as more than a discussion of categories and instead explores how it can provide a framework for understanding complex forms of oppression and inequality. Readers interested in the philosophical foundations behind intersectionality will find plenty here to consider.