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MOVEMENT INTERSECTIONALITY

The Case of Race, Gender, Disability, and Genetic Technologies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2014

Dorothy Roberts  and
Sujatha Jesudason
Dorothy Roberts*
Affiliation:
Law School, Department of Africana Studies, Department of Sociology, University of Pennsylvania
Sujatha Jesudason
Affiliation:
Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, University of California at San Francisco
*
Dorothy Roberts, University of Pennsylvania Law School, 3501 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. E-mail: dorothyroberts@law.upenn.edu
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Abstract

Intersectional analysis need not focus solely on differences within or between identity-based groups. Using intersectionality for cross movement mobilization reveals that, contrary to criticism for being divisive, attention to intersecting identities has the potential to create solidarity and cohesion. In this article, we elaborate this argument with a case study of the intersection of race, gender, and disability in genetic technologies as well as in organizing to promote a social justice approach to the use of these technologies. We show how organizing based on an intersectional analysis can help forge alliances between reproductive justice, racial justice, women's rights, and disability rights activists to develop strategies to address reproductive genetic technologies. We use the work of Generations Ahead to illuminate how intersectionality applied at the movement-building level can identify genuine common ground, create authentic alliances, and more effectively advocate for shared policy priorities.

Keywords

IntersectionalitySocial MovementsRaceGenderDisabilityGenetic Testing
Type
Intersectionality
Information
Du Bois Review: Social Science Research on Race , Volume 10 , Issue 2 , Fall 2013 , pp. 313 - 328
Copyright
Copyright © W.E.B. Du Bois Institute for African and African American Research 2013 

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