What is Intersectional Feminism And Why Should You Care?
Tuesday, August 20, 2024.
Intersectional Feminism has become a widely recognized framework for understanding the multiple layers of oppression that humans face based on their race, gender, class, and other identities.
While its contributions to social justice are significant, the movement’s focus on individual identity and oppression can sometimes lead to unintended consequences, particularly when viewed through the lens of emerging forms of narcissism, such as communal and pro-social narcissism.
Let’s explore how these dynamics interact. I’ll do my best to temper my critique with an understanding of the complexities involved.
The Intersection of Identity Politics and Emerging Narcissism
Intersectional Feminism’s emphasis on identity politics can sometimes intersect with emerging forms of narcissism, particularly communal and pro-social narcissism.
Communal narcissists derive their self-worth from their involvement in community-oriented causes. Within the context of intersectional feminism, this might manifest as folks who are deeply engaged in social justice issues but who may also seek validation and recognition for their efforts.
The focus on identity within Intersectional Feminism can create an environment where communal narcissists will migrate to and thrive, as they align themselves with causes that elevate their social status as advocates for justice.
Pro-social narcissism, meanwhile, involves folks who engage in altruistic behaviors with a primary motivation of being perceived as morally superior.
Within the framework of intersectional feminism, this might involve folks who are eager to “check their privilege” or publicly address social issues, not solely out of genuine concern, but also to reinforce their image as ethically aware and virtuous.
The emphasis on acknowledging privilege and oppression can inadvertently encourage pro-social narcissistic behavior, where the performance of social justice becomes as important as the cause itself.
Identity Politics and the Risk of Fragmentation
One of the key critiques of Intersectional Feminism is that its focus on individual identity can sometimes lead to fragmentation within social movements.
Nancy Fraser (1995) argues that while intersectional analysis is crucial, there is a risk that it may reduce social justice efforts to the politics of recognition rather than addressing broader systemic issues such as economic and political inequality.
When individuals within a movement become more focused on asserting their unique identities and experiences of oppression, it can detract from the collective goals of the movement, leading to a kind of fragmentation that hinders broader social change.
This environment can become a fertile ground for communal narcissism, where the emphasis on personal identity and recognition may overshadow the collective aims of the movement. Individuals might find themselves competing for social capital based on their experiences of oppression, which can shift the focus away from shared objectives toward a more individualized pursuit of recognition.
Victimhood and Pro-Social Narcissism
Another concern with Intersectional Feminism is the potential elevation of victimhood as a central aspect of identity.
While recognizing and addressing oppression is vital, there is a risk that emphasizing victimhood can inadvertently cultivate a mindset where individuals view themselves primarily through the lens of their suffering. Angry victimology alienates and divides. It needs to be called out fearlessly.
Haidt and Lukianoff (2018) discuss how this focus can lead to a culture of fragility, where folks are more likely to see themselves as victims of societal forces rather than as agents capable of effecting change.
In this context, pro-social narcissism can flourish. Individuals may engage in acts of advocacy or allyship not only to support others but also to reinforce their own image as morally superior.
This behavior is not necessarily malicious or insincere, but it does reflect a shift in focus from collective action to personal validation. The performance of social justice—whether through public declarations of support or the act of "checking one's privilege"—can sometimes take on a performative quality that aligns with pro-social narcissism.
Final thoughts
While Intersectional Feminism has brought essential issues to the forefront, it’s important to remain mindful of the potential pitfalls associated with an overemphasis on individual identity and oppression.
The emergence of communal and pro-social narcissism within the context of Intersectional Feminism highlights the need for a balance between recognizing individual experiences and working towards collective, systemic change.
Let’s try to achieve this balance. Intersectional Feminism has the potential to deeply inform social science, and can continue to be a powerful tool for social justice. But some of the intellectual pilings holding up Intersectional Feminism are rotted with the termites of narcissism and victimology.
I’m confident that some new thinkers will come along and redirect Intersectional Feminism toward its broader, more collaborative goals.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
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.
Fraser, N. (1995). From Redistribution to Recognition? Dilemmas of Justice in a “Postsocialist” Age. New Left Review, 212, 68-93.
Haidt, J., & Lukianoff, G. (2018). The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure. Penguin Press.
Lasch, C. (1979). The Culture of Narcissism: American Life in an Age of Diminishing Expectations. W.W. Norton & Company.
