Lecture 67: Interlocking Systems of Oppression

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the concept of Interlocking Systems of Oppression

   • Connection to earlier Black feminist activism
   • Builds on the concept of intersectionality
   • Interconnected social categories: race, gender, class, sexuality, ability
   • Interaction with social systems (e.g., education, healthcare, economy)
   • Results in unequal outcomes: privilege vs. oppression

2. Explain how Black writers represent Interlocking Systems of Oppression

   • Focus on writers Gwendolyn Brooks and Audre Lorde

Key Concepts

Interlocking Systems of Oppression

• Definition: Interconnectedness of social categories and their intersection with various social systems, leading to oppression.
• Historical Context: Examines how identity leads to disadvantages in systems like:
  • Education: Segregated schools and unequal access
  • Healthcare: Disparities in access and outcomes, structural racism, resource allocation
  • Justice System: Incarceration rates, war on drugs disproportionately affecting African-Americans
• Reinforcement of Oppression: Systems create cycles of privilege/oppression, affecting employment, economic mobility, housing
• Framework Origin: Articulated by Patricia Hill Collins (1990) in "Black Feminist Thought"
  • Built on works by Kimberlé Crenshaw (intersectionality) and the Combahee River Collective (1977)

Representation by Black Writers

Gwendolyn Brooks

• Notable Work: "We Real Cool"

  • Themes of young Black men navigating racism, poverty, societal expectations
  • Poem reflects rebellion and societal pressures
  • Concludes with the impact of systemic forces leading to early death

• Novel: "Maud Martha"

  • Focus on social class, gender, race
  • Everyday realism, intersection of identity through small moments
  • Examines beauty standards and colorism within Black communities
  • Highlights class-based judgments and economic aspirations

Audre Lorde

• Work: "Sister Outsider"
  • Essays exploring Black women's experiences
  • Critiques racism, sexism, heterosexism
  • Challenges norms, advocates for diverse acceptance
  • Highlights overlooked systemic oppression of Black women

Themes and Analysis

• Identity and Experience: No single identity part fully defines a person; multiple facets contribute to oppression.
• Intersectionality: Emphasizes multifaceted, dynamic nature of oppression
• Cultural Critique: Challenges oversimplification of identity; recognizes patterns of disparities

Conclusion

• Summary of Interlocking Systems of Oppression: Social categories' interaction with systems creates unequal outcomes—framework by Patricia Hill Collins.
• Impact on Black Writers: Brooks and Lorde illustrate lived experiences, systemic barriers, and societal roles.
• "Maud Martha" Analysis: Explores identity through class, race, gender, and space.

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