Matrix Of Domination Analysis

The significance of being able to identify the matrix of domination in all areas of society is because it provides a basis of structure to society, it molds our views on the world around us, and it is present in our everyday lives.
The matrix of domination or matrix of oppression is a sociological paradigm that explains issues of oppression that deal with race, class, and gender, which, though recognized as different social classifications, are all interconnected.
One example would be the African-American/black feminist movement. Similar to the counterpart of Feminism, the promotion that women’s right and equality should be equal to those of men. During the birth of the feminist movement many black women did not feel represented and some even felt discriminated against due to their race. This social construct birthed the
black feminist movement. Born to tackle the issues of gender identity, race, and sexism. These issues are interconnect with one another and coined the term intersectionality. As a black woman I understand the plight of black feminist starting their movement because in the 1960’s many African-American homes were led by single mothers and the issues for them were far greater than the counterpart of white feminist. These women needed not only jobs to support whole households but also needed help from the “missing” black man. The conditions in which many of them lived were a direct result of racism, genderism, and classism.
Another example that comes to mind is the study of Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment funded by the United States Public Health Service as a study of the effects of untreated Syphilis.
The connection between race and the medical industry has negatively affected minorities for years. The medical industry is not innocent in the fact of exploiting poor people and minorities. Many of the men who chose to participate in the experiment did so under the guise of free healthcare. This represents the social contract theory, the subjects of this experiment expected the controllers to uphold their end of the verbal agreement. To this very day there are occurrences where a doctor may refuse treatment to a person solely on his biased perceptions of their race. I feel that these matters are handled somewhat swiftly and appropriately. I remember reading about the black woman who dies from cervical cancer due to Johnson &Johnson baby powder. Her family won the civil suit and was paid millions, she did however succumb to her illness and died but, most importantly the case made them accountable and they changed their labeling to warn people of the potential of
cancer.
The final example that comes to mind is the tall tale of how Christopher Columbus discovered America. This directly interconnects with the occupants of the land prior the Native Americans. When Columbus set out to explore a new world and came upon an inhabited land he chose to conquer and murder thousands. All those that survived were forced to leave the land and live on reservations. This is also an example of the conflict theory during those times land was important and limited. Thus, the continued fighting between the Native Americans and early settlers. Those who could dominant the land could control it and gained the power. I am not certain that I agree with the Europeans strategy, I suppose everyone could have co-existed in the land peaceably. Only problem with that is this leaves no particular set of people in power.
In conclusion, there are numerous examples of the matrix of domination from past and present, and in all sectors of society. Religion (which I did not discuss) since the modern inception was laced with the ground work of oppression and power.