The interlocking systems of oppression faced by those with intersecting identities of disadvantage results in what Ehrenreich (2002) calls ‘‘compensatory subordination.’’ This occurs when ‘‘individuals compensate for the powerlessness they experience by using their privileged position to subordinate others’’ (257). Poor minority men who experience oppression due to class hierarchies and racial discrimination often compensate by drawing on patriarchy to discriminate against women. Thus, poor minority men may be disadvantaged by their race and class, but occupy positions of power because of their gender. Their poor minority female counterparts, who most represent ‘‘pure’’ victims, experience unique forms of oppression (Cooper 2006).
The women