Introducing Intersectionality

How can we hope to understand social inequality without considering race, class, and gender in tandem? How do they interact with other categories such as sexuality, citizenship, and ableism? How does an inclusive analysis of domination and privilege move us closer to solutions touching the lives of diverse populations? In this clearly written book, Mary Romero presents intersectionality as a core facet of the sociological imagination. One-dimensional approaches are no longer acceptable. Instead, we must examine all systems of oppression simultaneously and how they integrate and work with or against each other to shape life experiences. Recognizing the dynamics of patriarchy, capitalism, and white supremacy, Romero shows how social inequality is maintained or minimized in various social settings and everyday sites of interaction. Drawing the theoretical threads together, the book demonstrates intersectional approaches in action in relation to the care crisis and wealth divide, to highlight the different understandings of these issues and their solutions arising from a comprehensive, intersectional examination. Offering an overview of scholarly and activist tradition in the development of intersectionality and how to apply intersectionality as a lens to enrich our understandings of social life, this introductory text will be an invaluable and welcome resource for all students of sociology.

Review

"Employing a sophisticated intersectional approach to introduce the complexities of intersectionality itself, Romero has achieved a tour-de-force. Through framing, extensive case examples and accessible writing, she illustrates how intersectionality enables us to connect personal troubles to social problems and to see pathways to change for social justice." Lynn Weber, University of South Carolina"This lucid, jargon-free, and impressively comprehensive book by a leading scholar in the field is ideal for undergraduate courses on a wide range of topics, but it is so much more than that. It is vital reading, showing how inequality can be found in our own backyard and not just 'out there.

' It is something, in other words, that we all can - and must - do something about."Leslie Mc

Call, Graduate Center, City University of New York"Theoretically rich and empirically rigorous, Romero’s Introducing Intersectionality is the quintessential interdisciplinary handbook of intersectionality. The volume is written in an accessible language which is free of unnecessary jargon. […] The wealth of tangible case studies, metaphors, personal narratives and confrontational discussion points offered throughout the various chapters of the book are guaranteed to provoke self-reflective thought and produce the situated knowledge necessary for establishing an intersectional understanding of our complex social reality."Ethnic and Racial Studies

The tone of the book is personal and passionate about the topic of social justice. Indeed, this is what makes the book appealing: the author talks not only out of her academic knowledge but also shares her personal experiences in an urgent tone that calls for action. This might motivate even the least involved students to consider the way the fabric of social life is unequally woven together, not a small feat to be achieved by an introductory book."Comparative Sociology