Privilege and intersectionality

What does it mean to have privilege?

Privilege is the idea that our society values some identities over others and assigns those higher-value identities more power and prestige than others. An obvious example of this is rich over poor (or upper class over everyone else). In the US, people of the highest economic status have more political power and more social prestige than those of the lower ones. Many other identity characteristics, like age, gender, sexuality, race, disability, level of education, marital status, and so on have similar divisions between high- and low-prestige states.
Intersectionality is the idea that people have more than one identity characteristic and the way that those interact can increase or decrease the level of advantage or disadvantage that an individual (or group of individuals) experiences in a situation.
Use and cite at least two of this week’s resources in your responses to the following questions:
• Identify one part of your identity where you may have privilege relative to others. How is your privilege demonstrated? Using terms from this week’s resources, why is it important to understand that you have privilege in this area?
• Identify one part of your identity where you are at a disadvantage relative to others. How is your lack of privilege demonstrated? Using terms from this week’s resources, what does this reveal about our society?
• Do you have equal privilege (or lack of privilege) in all situations? Why or why not?

Sample Answer

Privilege is a special right, advantage, or immunity granted to a particular person or group of people, often without any special effort on their part. Privilege can be based on a variety of factors, including race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, religion, and disability.

People who have privilege often do not realize it, because they have never had to experience life without it. They may take their privileges for granted, and they may not understand how their privileges affect others.

Full Answer Section

There are many different types of privilege, and they can be overlapping and interconnected. Some of the most common types of privilege include:

White privilege: This is the privilege that comes with being white in a society that is structured around white supremacy. White privilege can manifest in many ways, including being less likely to be stopped by the police, being more likely to be hired for a job, and being more likely to be promoted.
Male privilege: This is the privilege that comes with being male in a society that is structured around patriarchy. Male privilege can manifest in many ways, including being more likely to be taken seriously in positions of power, being more likely to be paid more for the same work, and being less likely to be sexually harassed or assaulted.
Class privilege: This is the privilege that comes with being wealthy or middle-class in a society that is structured around economic inequality. Class privilege can manifest in many ways, including having access to better education and healthcare, being less likely to be incarcerated, and having more opportunities for advancement.
Straight privilege: This is the privilege that comes with being heterosexual in a society that is structured around heteronormativity. Straight privilege can manifest in many ways, including being less likely to be discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation, being more likely to see their relationships represented in the media, and being more likely to have their relationships legally recognized.
Cisgender privilege: This is the privilege that comes with identifying with the gender that you were assigned at birth in a society that is structured around cisgendernormativity. Cisgender privilege can manifest in many ways, including being less likely to be discriminated against on the basis of gender identity, being more likely to see their gender identity represented in the media, and being more likely to have their gender identity legally recognized.
Able-bodied privilege: This is the privilege that comes with not having a disability in a society that is structured around ableism. Able-bodied privilege can manifest in many ways, including being able to access public spaces and transportation, being able to find jobs that are compatible with your disability, and being able to participate in activities that are not accessible to people with disabilities.

These are just a few of the many types of privilege that exist. It is important to be aware of privilege, because it can have a significant impact on our lives. We need to acknowledge our own privileges, and we need to use them to help others who are less privileged.

Here are some ways to challenge privilege:

Educate yourself about privilege: There are many resources available to learn about privilege. Talk to people who have different experiences than you, read books and articles about privilege, and watch documentaries about privilege.
Talk about privilege: It is important to talk about privilege, even if it is uncomfortable. Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues about privilege. Challenge people’s assumptions about privilege.
Use your privilege to help others: Use your privilege to help others who are less privileged. Donate to organizations that work to challenge privilege. Volunteer your time to help people who are less privileged.

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