In 1989 Kimberlé
Crenshaw coined the term 'intersectionality', which acknowledges the way in
which various social categorizations (i.e. race, class, gender) are regarded as
creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or
disadvantage.
Recently, I was
having a discussion with a development professional regarding structures of
gender and patriarchy. One comment struck me in particular. They argued that we
should not try to change situations where women choose to be a housewife - arguing this would be an
interference of free choice. This could present a dilemma for those that push
for gender equality: to what extent are we taking away a women's agency when we
say that women should not choose certain roles which are expected of them but
(are perceived to) hold less value, and to what extent are we allowing
inequality to flourish by not taking action?
Both questions must
be situated within context. Every decision we make has a multitude of factors
contributing to a chosen outcome. In the context of gender we may ask 'what is
the most socially acceptable role for me, what role(s) am I expected to
undertake?'. Choices do not occur devoid of context, they are influenced by
them. In order to make this argument of non-interference valid, there needs to
be an assumption that the conditions for said choices are neutral, but they are
not. Creating a society where the conditions are neutral for these choices
should be a long-term goal. Achieving this goal leads me to make a case for a
multi-sectoral approach to achieving gender equality. A truly multi-sectoral
approach is one that takes account of intersectionality and how different sites
link in with social-categorizations to re-produce inequality, for example, domestic or work spheres.
An example of this
in context means that Women's Economic Empowerment must be work with efforts to challenge breadwinner masculinities that maybe threatened and co-operation
with 'Ending Violence Against Women' or 'Gender Based Violence' - especially if there is evidence that Women's Economic Empowerment alone may lead to Violence Against Women. If development
work is to be truly transformative and work towards a clear goal of gender
equality it must use all resources to work within society for attitudinal
change, linking simultaneously with various sectors. One type of development is not
enough, for one type may produce regression in another, thereby simply shifting the
problem and reproducing patriarchy and inequality in other areas.
