Intersectionality is a term used to refer to a theory in sociology. The theory suggests that different forms of discrimination that have set by the cultural and social practices do work together both in similar and multiple levels. The theory also seeks to determine how these forms work together to bring the result of inequality in communities and/or societies. They can also be defined as forms of oppression. Forms of discrimination could be based on race, gender, geographical locations, social class, sex orientation, caste or religion. According to this theory, as the different forms oppression interact, they tend to shape one another so that each becomes dependent on another or other forms.
The most common forms of discrimination and oppression in most societies are based on gender. Gender based discriminations are usually directed to women who are also referred to as the weaker sex. A greater degree of inequality has existed between the two genders. These forms are especially predominant in the political, economic and cultural setups. In the ancient Rome for example women were treated with lesser importance than animals. Young girls were given over to prostitution and early marriages for financial gain by their fathers. Some forms of oppression on women include; in careers where certain jobs are only known to be of men ,that women cannot fit in them such are architecture and in the construction sector in general. Political arena so that a woman is not likely to be voted in if there are male rival candidates. In other societies women are not allowed to eat certain foods. Poor black women from are treated with even more discrimination not only by their families but also by the international community.
Feminists are people of either sex that advocate for and seek to establish a balance between men and women politically, economically and socially. They do this by first seeking to understand what gender inequality is. They however focus more on women since they are most affected. Intersectionality is one aspect that helps the feminists to establish the nature of gender inequality in a society by examining the social status and roles of women and their attitudes towards the society. Using the different aspects of intersectionality, they are able to determine the nature of inequality and therefore know how to deal with it. It however makes the task more difficult. This is due to the complex interrelationships the different forms. Feminism, which is what feminists engage in, involves defending women against any form of discrimination through formation of movements.
Domestic violence is one common way through which gender-based oppression manifests. Though this kind of oppression affects both men and women, females are the most affected. It takes the form of physical, emotional and psychological torture and abuse. Due to this reason, more of the legal actions that have been taken, address women. Among these efforts are the establishment of women’s rights. Movements have also been formed to address the issue e.g. the battered women’s movement that has directed its efforts on minimizing cultural support for battering and holding batterers responsible for their actions. Several acts which address the issue have also been enacted by different countries. Community based organizations which are government sponsored have also been formed. Their main aim is to campaign against this practice among the people. States have also been coordinating with communities by setting up procedures and centers of reporting such cases. International organizations like United Nations have implemented programs that address gender issues.
