Intersectionality Theory

Research about the reasons why domestic violence occurs within partnerships and families is still ongoing and continues to make strides for the prevention of such abuse. During the late 1960s and the early 1970s the concept and theories of Intersectionality began to emerge and come into the spotlight. Intersectionality is used to describe the connection between different social constructs, individual and relational ideologies, and structural aspects that contribute to oppression (Ramsay, 2014, p. 1771). Intersectionality is used to assess the relationship or intersection between various characteristics of a person such as race, class, and gender (Josephson, 2002, p. 86). Researchers use Intersectionality theory widely, in conjunction with the
analysis of intimate partner violence to appropriately understand the nature of partner violence and how each experience is unique under uncontrollable circumstances that place individuals in various groups throughout society.
The concept of Intersectionality seeks to understand that throughout numerous characterized groups within society, the experience of domination and oppression is vastly different as well as unique for specific individuals within each group (Josephson, 2002). Similarly, Bograd discusses that Intersectionality helps us to assess the underlying contributors to domestic violence and how individuals who have multiple intersections of race, gender, and class face the hardships (Bograd, 1999, p. 27). This is due to the understanding that certain social or inborn characteristics of a person, holds the potential to intensify a domestically violent situation or to create obstacles in such a way that the person is unable to escape the relationship. Accordingly, when assessing the link between intimate partner violence and social, economic or individual factors, it appears that across the African, Latino, Asian, and Native American cultures, poverty along with financial dependence and unemployment are common risk factors for intimate partner violence (Hines, Malley-Morrison, & Dutton, 2013, p.
403). Furthermore, these three factors are strenuous on families and could be a possible hindrance when trying to leave the abuse relationship. Especially with financial dependence, most victims of intimate partner violence are deprived of any money in their relationship, furthering their struggle to leave. By the same token, those who lack necessary social support or are isolated socially, experience higher risk of domestic violence in the Latino and African American cultures. When attempting or considering leaving a violent partner it is pertinent to have a solid support system that will assist in the process of ending the relationship (Hines, Malley-Morrison, & Dutton, 2013, p. 404). Those who lack this system are likely to experience greater difficulty. These factors, coupled with alcohol or substance abuse can create extremely unfavorable conditions under which a victim may attempt to leave their abuser (Hines, Malley-Morrison, & Dutton, 2013, p.
405). In addition, Cramer and Plummer point out that the societal stereotype of Black women, could also intensify their experience due to the idea that Black women are particularly strong-willed and self assured; this stereotype could theoretically cause domestic violence services to overlook or not properly consider these victims (Cramer & Plummer, 2009, p. 167). Comparatively, homosexual men are not genuinely considered when seeking assistance concerning intimate partner violence due to the lack of social recognition of homosexual relationships as being valid (Bograd, 1999, p. 30). These characteristics within social groups in society and their Intersectionality undoubtedly create a much more intense experience for victims of domestic violence. The variety in intersections develops unique experiences for each victim of intimate partner violence and can encumber their plans to leave or escape the violence due to societal perceptions of race, gender, or class.