Matrix of Domination

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The Matrix of Domination is a sociological theory that explains issues of oppression that deal with race, class, and gender, though recognized as different social classifications, which are all interconnected. Other forms of classification, such as sexual orientation, religion, or age, apply to this theory as well. Patricia Hill Collins is credited with introducing the theory in her work entitled Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness, and the Politics of Empowerment.

As the term implies, there are many different ways one might experience domination, facing many different challenges in which one obstacle, such as race, may overlap with other sociological features. Such things as race, age, and sex, may affect an individual in extremely different ways, in such simple cases as varying geography, socioeconomic status, or simply throughout time. Many feminist authors have contributed a great deal of research toward the understanding and application of domination models in many realms of society.

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[edit] Theory applied

Though Collins' main focus of the theory of the matrix of domination was applied to African-American women, there are many other examples that can be used to illustrate the theory. One prominent example is using the theory to explain the success of Colin Powell, the first African-American to have ever achieved the rank of United States Secretary of State, and consequently the highest ranking African-American government official in American history. Many argue that his success (as one Black man out of millions) is proof that discrimination based on race has been, or is close to being, eradicated in the United States, but proponents of the theory of the matrix of domination would argue that this overlooks issues of social class, gender, and age, Powell being an upper class, middle-age/elderly male.

[edit] Research contributions

An article found in the November 1998 issue of Social Problems details the conflict involving racial domination by identifying the complexity African-Americans face. In many cases, sociologists and laypersons alike are often limited in their approach to the problem. Michelle Byng, in "Mediating Discrimination: Oppression among African-American Muslim Women"--the 1998 article--brings to focus new approaches to understanding discrimination, but also, she writes to illustrate the many overlooked opportunities in which the discriminated are able to empower themselves in certain situations.

[edit] Summary

Matrix of domination is particular race, class, and gender configuration in society, which establishes a system of oppression.

[edit] External links

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  • Collins, Patricia Hill. (2000) Black Feminist Thought: knowledge, consciousness, and the politics of empowerment. New York, Routledge.
  • Byng, Michelle D. (1998) Mediating Discrimination: Resisting Oppression among African-American Muslim Women. Social Problems 45(4), 473-487.