Matrix Of Domination

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The Matrix of Domination, Short Paper IDS 400
By: Scott D. Malone
12/01/15

The Matrix of Domination/Oppression is a sociological pattern that attempts to explain issues of domination and oppression that deal in class, race, gender, creed, national origin, sexual orientation and/or age (Patricia Hill Collins 1990). In 1990 Collins is credited with introducing the theory in her book Black Feminist Thought; Knowledge, consciousness and the politics of empowerment. As noted in her work, there are many different ways someone might experience domination or oppression.
• Oppression of race, gender, sexuality or national origin intersect varying systems of power. Collins uses the phrase “intersectionality” to refer to concurrent coincidental multiple forms of oppression or domination. (Collins 1990)
• She alleges that because black women have unique histories at …show more content…

Example (African-America, Female Muslim). It seems to this author that putting significance on perceived units of oppression and “intersectionality” causes a greater shift in perceived inclusivity. It seems Collins is only focused on the African-America Female, however if there really is oppressions she neglects to note that they affect more than just one gender or race. Certainly other people of color, Jews, Muslims, poor white women and men, gays and lesbians can be oppressed.
In addition to the methodized axes of oppression such as gender, race, social class etc. the matrix of domination is structured on other levels. People can experience/resist oppression on several levels (Collins 1990) The personal level, the affinity group or community level and cultural context created by the axes of oppression and the systemic level of social institutions. According to Collins, black feminist thought assets potential resistance to oppression on all three levels.

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