Research on the Interactive Mechanism between Identity Categories and Power Relations in Intersectionality Theory
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62051/pysdr413Keywords:
Intersectionality Theory; Identity category; Power relations; Social inequality; Identity politics.Abstract
Intersectionality theory is an important component of critical theory today and is of great value for understanding complex personal identities and the operation of power. Based on the theory of intersectionality, this paper discusses the relationship between identity and power in order to better understand the varying degrees of power influence an individual experiences at the intersection of multiple identities. By examining the relevant literature and summarizing the theory, we first review the development of the intersectionality theory, starting with the research of Kimberly Krenshaw, and analyze his contributions to the analysis of identities in terms of gender, race, class, etc. The study suggests that identity is not a fixed label but varies according to the specific social and cultural context, and there are relationships of interweaving, overlapping and interacting among different identities. Power plays a significant role in this, being the basis for the formation of identity and also through which it is realized and strengthened. By analyzing some examples, it shows the multiple oppressities that marginalized people suffer at various identity intersections and how they are maintained by institutionalized power. It also focuses on the power of people themselves and how they resist or change under the given power. The research in this paper helps to further understand the complexity of identity politics and power relations, and has some reference significance for the formulation of relevant policies and the realization of social equity.
Downloads
References
[1] Singh, L. (2026). Power, privilege, and positionality in psychology departments: Toward a framework for inclusive excellence. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 21(3). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/17456916251404372
[2] Iresha, D., Shamika, A., Betty, F., & Rebekkah, M. (2026). Who gets to progress? Multistakeholder negotiations and identity evaluation in academic careers. Journal of Management & Organization, 32(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/jmo.2025.10078
[3] Wang, Z. H., Leung, X. Y., & Huang, X. T. (2025). Redefining womanhood: Solo travel as intersectional rites of passage. Tourism Management, 111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2024.104862 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2025.105225
[4] Martinez, D. A., & MacNeil, H. (2025). “Doing inequality, doing intersectionality”: Intersectionality as threshold concept for studying inequalities in entrepreneurial activity. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, 31(1). https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR 03 2024 0277 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-12-2022-1113
[5] Hudson, S. T. J., Myer, A., & Berney, E. C. (2024). Stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination at the intersection of race and gender: An intersectional theory primer. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 18(2). https://doi.org/10.1111/spc3.12887 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/spc3.12939
[6] Magill, K. R. (2021). Identity, consciousness, and agency: Critically reflexive social studies praxis and the social relations of teaching. Teaching and Teacher Education, 104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2021.103389 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2021.103382
[7] Brassel, S. T., Settles, I. H., Jellison, W. A., & Dodson, C. (2020). Power and race in Black and White men’s perceptions and experiences of manhood. Translational Issues in Psychological Science, 6(4). https://doi.org/10.1037/tps0000269 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/tps0000257
[8] Severs, E., Celis, K., & Erzeel, S. (2016). Power, privilege and disadvantage: Intersectionality theory and political representation. Politics, 36(4), 403 417. https://doi.org/10.1177/0263395715622720 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0263395716630987
[9] Wu, X. Y. (2024). Gender sociology? Research paradigms and their generative logic in the Chinese context. Women's Studies, (5), 1 16.
[10] Cao, J., & Wang, Q. (2024). Cross analysis models and gender studies in the context of new media in China. Contemporary Communication, (1), 30 38.
[11] Chang, P. Y. (2022). Intersectionality theory and the dilemma of contemporary Western Marxist feminism. Women's Studies, (2), 118 128.
[12] Su, Y. H. (2016). Perspectives and methods of the "intersectionality" school and its implications for gender sociology in China. Sociological Studies, 31(4), 218 241, 246. https://doi.org/10.19936/j.cnki.1002 9931.2016.04.009
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Transactions on Social Science, Education and Humanities Research
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
