MODULE 7:
Intersectionality as Activism
(This module was created by Dr. Sabujkoli Bandopadhyay)
Introduction:
Looking at specific examples of activism, this module explores how activist communities can and have adapted and benefitted from implementing an intersectional understanding of social movements. Specifically, we are looking at Food Sovereignty movements and Dalit labour movements to understand how the grassroots-level activism of community organizations has embraced intersectionality to create consciousness about the uniquely different struggles felt by different marginalized groups. As you read and watch the assigned resources, focus on the following questions:
- what are the aims of this organizing action? Are they looking for more resources or are they aiming for a radical systemic change?
- who is organizing the community and working as decision-makers of community practice?
- what kind of power relations emerge between the leadership and the other organization members?
Movements and communities involve people, people are complex and it’s not a complexity that needs to be apologized, hidden, or ashamed about. It’s a complexity that we have the responsibility to address and understand; I think it’s critical that intersectionality is utilized to preserve the health of any community and society.
[Sandy Ho, Founder of the Disability and Intersectionality Summit]
Learning goals:
In this unit, you will:
- Develop a functional understanding of community activism and organization;
- Critically assess the unequal effects of globalization and climate change;
- Explore how activist communities have embraced intersectionality using the example of Dalit, globalization and climate activism;
- Consider how researchers can use intersectionality as a methodology and theory for studying and analysing activism;
- Practice assembling an inclusive presention.
Moving forward:
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA WGS 498/GSJ 598 