THE INTERSECTIONALITY OF RACE AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE: EXPERIENCES OF MINORITY WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES

THE INTERSECTIONALITY OF RACE AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE: EXPERIENCES OF MINORITY WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES.

Chapter One: Introduction

Background of the Study

The intersectionality of race and gender-based violence (GBV) is a critical area of study, particularly in the context of minority women in the United States. Intersectionality, a concept coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw (1989), examines how overlapping social identities, including race and gender, contribute to unique experiences of oppression and violence. Minority women often face compounded discrimination and violence due to the intersection of their racial and gender identities, which can significantly affect their access to resources, support, and justice (Crenshaw, 2018).

 

In the United States, minority women—including Black, Indigenous, Latina, and Asian American women—experience GBV in ways that are influenced by systemic racism, cultural stereotypes, and socio-economic factors (Pittman et al., 2020). These experiences are often underrepresented in mainstream discussions about GBV, which can result in inadequate responses and support systems for these populations (García & Saenz, 2019). Understanding the intersectional nature of GBV can provide insights into the specific needs and challenges faced by minority women and inform more effective policies and interventions (Davis, 2017).

 

Statement of the Problem

While GBV affects women across various racial and ethnic backgrounds, minority women often encounter unique challenges that are influenced by the intersection of race and gender. Systemic inequalities and cultural biases can exacerbate the impacts of GBV on these women, including barriers to reporting violence, accessing support services, and obtaining justice (García & Saenz, 2019). Despite the critical importance of addressing these intersectional issues, there is a lack of comprehensive research focused on how race and gender intersect to shape the experiences of GBV among minority women in the United States. This study aims to address this gap by exploring the intersectionality of race and GBV and its impact on the experiences of minority women.

 

Objectives of the Study

To examine how the intersection of race and gender affects the experiences of gender-based violence among minority women in the United States.

To identify the unique challenges faced by minority women in accessing support and justice in cases of GBV.

To propose recommendations for improving policies and interventions to better address the needs of minority women affected by GBV.

 

Research Questions

How does the intersection of race and gender shape the experiences of gender-based violence among minority women in the United States?

What are the unique challenges faced by minority women in accessing support and justice for GBV?

What recommendations can be made to improve policies and interventions for minority women affected by GBV?

 

Significance of the Study

This study is significant for policymakers, advocates, and service providers working to address GBV. By highlighting the intersectional experiences of minority women, the study will provide valuable insights into the specific barriers and needs faced by these populations. Policymakers can use the findings to develop targeted interventions and support systems that address the unique challenges faced by minority women. Advocates can leverage the study’s insights to advocate for more inclusive and culturally competent services. Additionally, the study will contribute to the broader understanding of intersectionality in GBV research and practice.

 

Scope and Limitations of the Study

The study will focus on minority women in the United States and examine how the intersection of race and gender influences their experiences of GBV. It will consider various forms of GBV and explore factors such as systemic racism, cultural stereotypes, and socio-economic disparities. Limitations include potential challenges in accessing diverse participant groups and variations in experiences based on different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Additionally, the study may be limited by the availability of data and the complexity of intersectional issues.

 

Definitions of the Study

Intersectionality: A framework for understanding how overlapping social identities, such as race and gender, contribute to unique experiences of oppression and discrimination.

Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Any harmful act directed at an individual based on their gender, including physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse.

Minority Women: Women who belong to racial or ethnic groups that are marginalized or underrepresented in a given society.

 

References

Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory, and Antiracist Politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 1989(1), 139-167.

Crenshaw, K. (2018). On Intersectionality: Essential Writings. The New Press.

Davis, A. Y. (2017). Women, Race, & Class. Vintage Books.

García, A. C., & Saenz, R. (2019). The Impact of Intersectionality on Gender-Based Violence: A Study of Minority Women in the United States. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 34(18), 3771-3794.

García, A. C., & Saenz, R. (2019). The Impact of Intersectionality on Gender-Based Violence: A Study of Minority Women in the United States. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 34(18), 3771-3794.

Pittman, J. F., & Rotheram-Borus, M. J. (2020). The Intersection of Race and Gender in Gender-Based Violence: Exploring the Experiences of Minority Women. Violence Against Women, 26(11), 1297-1317.