Intersectionality is the 5th wave of Feminism
How we characterise ‘Feminism’ has become unacceptably subjective. While wonderful work has been done and is still being done in the fight for the equality of the sexes, we have forgotten about what equality truly means. We have forgotten about inclusivity and seem to be heading towards inward-looking feminism rather than outward-looking, progressive feminism. Enter…Intersectionality - the equality for all classes, genders, races with the equal representation to back it up.
The first four waves of feminism were absolutely vital in getting our society to this point in 2019 but the way we talk about feminism with our mates, our teachers, our parents has to shift. We must evolve the discourse from narrow, insular and often white-privileged feminism to an inclusive and accessible discussion of equality and representation for all, not just the feminism that benefits ourselves as individuals.
Feminism is and has to be an inter-disciplinary topical conversation that really challenges society on a global level.
· Classism is a Feminist issue.
· Racism is a Feminist issue.
· Sexism is a Feminist issue.
· Elitism is a Feminist issue.
· Gender discrimination is a Feminist issue.
Intersectionality is the only combining, equally representative way forward for true and progressive feminism. It is not enough for intersectionality to just be its own branch of feminism because I would argue that intersectionality IS feminism.
As American civil rights activist, Audre Lorde, said, ‘There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.’ Feminism is not one single-issue, but a combination of intersectional issues pinned down by societal narratives and patriarchal tropes. De-constructing and re-evaluating the patriarchy is one thing (which is brilliant, don’t get me wrong) but to think of it as being conquered purely because things seem to be ‘getting better’ for the women in your own life is unrealistic and culturally ignorant. Patriarchy is inherently instilled in the foundations of classism, racism, elitism, sexism and gender discrimination through the systematic oppression of minority groups and those less privileged; it will not be abolished unless we are willing to SPEAK UP for all and not just ourselves.
SPEAK UP for black rights. SPEAK UP for indigenous rights. SPEAK UP for gender rights. SPEAK UP for disability rights. SPEAK UP for education rights, abortion rights, marriage rights. SPEAK UP for the oppressed. Just SPEAK.
Speaking may seem relatively insignificant in the scheme of all that’s wrong with the world. But speaking, talking and listening invites conversation, conversation invites questions, and questions can change the most seemingly unchangeable of minds that will lead us to a healthier, more inclusive climate of society.
Being engaged in the intersectional feminist discussion allows us to learn more, read more, ponder and wonder more. So that when the next person says, ‘What do we need feminism for in this day and age? Women have it all now don’t they?’ We can tell them that in 29 countries, more than 125 million girls and women have had their genitals cut through female genital mutilation (FGM), including 84% of Egyptian women in present society. We can tell them that gender inequality is a major cause and effect of hunger and poverty, and that 60% of chronically hungry people are women and girls. We can tell them that women make up more than two thirds of the worlds 796 million illiterate people. And we can tell them that only one third of rural women receive prenatal care compared to 50% in developing regions.* We can tell them this by speaking up and educating others on the intersectional issues that minorities have to face.
I would argue that the theoretical perspective, the word ‘Feminism’ itself be changed to ‘Intersectionalism’ (not really a word, I have just made it up but if we really need an ‘ism’ then this will have to do.) Maybe it wouldn’t be so scary for us to label ourselves as feminists without being immediately stereotyped as either a man-hating, raving lunatic if you’re a woman, or an effeminate wet-wipe if you’re a man. So, let’s change the conversation. Let’s evolve the discourse so that we may truly progress in the fight for equality and representation for all. Keep smashing the patriarchy and the glass ceiling, but remember that other people’s glass ceilings may be even tougher to break than your own. I am an Intersectionalist. And this is the 5th wave.
By Eliza Crawford, 22/08/2019
*All statistics from the UN women’s rights website and Unicef (2019)
