1.4c Intersectionality

Intersectionality

Another framework sociologists use is intersectionality. Intersectionality shows how sociodemographic factors like race and gender overlap producing distinct advantages and disadvantages based on these factors (see Chapter 6). Patricia Hill Collins (2000) maintained that race and gender intersect. This overlap means that racism and sexism affect Black women differently than Black men, for example. When efforts to reduce inequality only focus on race, the disadvantages Black women face as women are left out. Black women are face disadvantages because of their race and gender. Black men experience racism but also are advantaged because of their gender.

In an analysis of video games, researchers observe intersectionality at work. They find that these games portray White women and men differently than each other and differently from men and women of color (The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, 2021). They find that video game publishers sexualize White women characters more than women of color characters. White women characters are more often shown in revealing clothing or nudity, and a skinny body type (The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, 2021). Video game publishers more frequently portray White men characters as stereotypically masculine (taking risks, acting tough, and perpetuating violence) than men of color characters. Overall, video games include many types of people. However, they are portrayed in stereotypical ways that reflect both race and gender.

Photo 1.13

Video Games Portray People in Stereotypical Ways