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Elizabeth Cole Coalitions As A Model For Intersectionality Summary

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In “Coalitions as a Model for Intersectionality: From Practice to Theory,” Elizabeth Cole addresses how the intersectional approach should be utilized to form coalitions that seek to advance marginalized populations (1). However, unlike the feminist movement, that narrowly defined its goals and constituency, these newly formed coalitions should be broad based, incorporating diverse populations and directives. Moreover, the alliances can even be formed by seemingly unlike populations, which when analyzed through the intersectional lens, may share similar experiences and goals. In addition, by examining the numerous axis of gender, race, and other intersectional components, one can identify other similarities not previously recognized. Such …show more content…

In addition, organizers should not utilize a “monolithic” approach, which can cause those “who occupy multiple subordinate identities…to experience a secondary marginalization (Cohen 1999) in which their interests are not addressed” (3). This is most evident in the feminist movement, which basically advanced the rights of white, upper class women, but failed to help women who were poor, black or lower class. Therefore, it is important to recognize that in a large alliance, there will be sub-populations and power struggles; nevertheless, an organization should foster goals that are inclusive and equitable. Moreover, according to Cohen, society is basically a “pyramid structure…so 90 percent of the world's population is (a) potential ally, (and) therefore it’s very important to think in a coalitional way and look at how these things intersect” (5). It is also essential to recognize that “social identities are not fixed” and that science’s “reliance on the null hypothesis” can be misleading (8,9). Thus, the author urges psychologists and sociologists to “develop a more sophisticated and interdisciplinary understanding of historical and sociological aspects of the social construction of race, gender, class and other categories of identity, difference and disadvantage” (10). By employing this intersectional methodolgy, society will be able to broaden these coalitions and begin to address the most marginalized of

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