Short Paper

This short paper is to be written on the topic: “Explorations of Diversity”

Instructions

Utilizing the resources from the text and additional readings, write a short paper exploring the meaning of what Patricia Hill Collins calls the matrix of domination. Consider how identity politics (civil rights, feminism, the LGBT movement) could be considered a response to domination (forms of power evident in control, exclusion, and discrimination).

Requirements of Submission: Short paper assignments must follow these formatting guidelines: double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins, and APA citations. Page length is 2–3 pages, 600 words minimum.  

  

Reference;

Limpangog, C. P. (2016). Matrix of Domination. The Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Gender and Sexuality Studies.

Rollins, J. (1991). Black feminist thought: Knowledge, consciousness, and the politics of empowerment. The American Journal of Sociology, 97(3), 897-899.

Nett, R. (1971). The civil right we are not ready for: the right of free movement of people on the face of the earth. Ethics, 81(3), 212-227.

Matrix Exploration of Diversity

The matrix of domination is a sociological concept relating to levels of power, control, and oppression among different groups in society. This idea was introduced by social theorist Patricia Hill Collins in her 1990 book Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness, and the Politics of Empowerment. The matrix of domination stems from the idea that people in society oppress one another based on classifications such as race, sex, and economic class. This oppression may be varied and complex. However, it generally has a negative effect on individuals and their broader social groups and may lead to serious disadvantages for large

sections of the world population.

Overview

Social theorists have long acknowledged the roles that race, sex, economic class, and other categories play in societal power and individual experience. Every person’s life is in some way shaped by these categories. Often the results are negative, with people facing

discrimination based on the idea that some types of people are superior or inferior. This discrimination may seriously harm a person’s daily life and long-term opportunities and the power and privileges of entire groups in society. Many theorists have focused on individual social categories and their experiences, but others believed that the problem

of domination and oppression was more complicated.

In 1990, Patricia Hill Collins published Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness, and the Politics of Empowerment, which introduced the idea of a matrix of domination. This theory held that race, sex, and class in society should not be viewed as individual factors but rather as an interlocking set of factors. One person will be part of more than one group, and the effects of being in these groups will overlap into one complex and unique experience. Later, Collins’s theory was expanded to include other forms of classification, such as age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and geography.

The matrix theory holds social domination as a complex structure. In general, it holds that European Americans have more power than African Americans and other racial groups; males have more power than females; and wealthier people have more power than poorer people. In that way, a wealthy European American male would likely have more power than a poor African American female. Different combinations of factors would yield different levels of social power in relation to other people and groups.

Each individual’s experiences would be unique. For instance, an elderly, rich Asian American woman in the South would likely have some advantages and some disadvantages when compared to a young, poor Indian American man in the North.

Collins’s main interest was in the experiences of African American women, but in her writings she focused more on the interlocked workings of the overall structure of domination rather than the situation faced by any one particular group. She also theorized on ways that people facing domination could improve their own social standing. Mainly, she suggested that African American women should use their knowledge and experience as a form of creative power to improve their lives, communities, and, ultimately, standing in society.

Bibliography

Allan, Kenneth. The Social Lens: An Invitation to Social and Sociological Theory. 2nd ed., Pine Forge Press, 2011.

Carastathis, Anna. Intersectionality: Origins, Contestations, Horizons. Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska,

2016.

Collins, Patricia Hill. Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness, and the Politics of Empowerment. Unwin Hyman, 1990.

Collins, Patricia Hill. “The Matrix of Domination.” University of Minnesota Duluth,

www.d.umn.edu/~bmork/2306/2111/collinpatricia.htm

. Accessed 21 Dec. 2016.

Gingrich, Paul. “Black Feminist Thought—Patricia Hill Collins.”University of Regina, Department of Sociology & Social Studies, 24 Mar. 2006, uregina.ca/~gingrich/319m2406.htm. Accessed 21 Dec. 2016.

LaFonde, Deborah. “What Is the Race, Gender, Class Lens?” University at Albany, State University of New York, www.albany.edu/~dlafonde/Global/whatisrgc.htm. Accessed 21 Dec. 2016.

Miller, Angela. “Games People Play: A Quick Guide to Intersectionality Theory.” University of Houston, Clear Lake, 2010, www.socialpsychology.org/action/pdf/2012intersect-handout . Accessed 21 Dec. 2016.

“Patricia Hill Collins: Distinguished University Professor.” University of Maryland, Department of Sociology, socy.umd.edu/facultyprofile/Collins/Patricia Hill. Accessed 21 Dec.

2016.

IDS 400 Short Paper Rubric

Requirements of Submission: Short paper assignments must follow these formatting guidelines: double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, 1-inch
margins, and APA citations. Page length is 2–3 pages, 600 words minimum.

Critical Elements Exemplary (100%) Proficient (85%) Needs Improvement (55%) Not Evident (0%) Value

Main Elements Includes all of the main
elements and requirements and
cites multiple examples to
illustrate each element

Includes most of the main
elements and requirements and
cites many examples to
illustrate each element

Includes some of the main
elements and requirements

Does not include any of the
main elements and
requirements

30

Inquiry and Analysis

Provides in-depth analysis that
demonstrates complete
understanding of multiple
concepts

Provides in-depth analysis that
demonstrates complete
understanding of some
concepts

Provides in-depth analysis that
demonstrates complete
understanding of minimal
concepts

Does not provide in-depth
analysis

20

Integration and
Application

All of the course concepts are
correctly applied

Most of the course concepts are
correctly applied

Some of the course concepts
are correctly applied

Does not correctly apply any of
the course concepts

20

Critical Thinking Draws insightful conclusions
that are thoroughly defended
with evidence and examples

Draws informed conclusions
that are justified with evidence

Draws logical conclusions, but
does not defend with evidence

Does not draw logical
conclusions

20

Writing
(Mechanics/

Citations)

No errors related to
organization, grammar and
style, and citations

Minor errors related to
organization, grammar and
style, and citations

Some errors related to
organization, grammar and
style, and citations

Major errors related to
organization, grammar and
style, and citations

10

Earned Total 100%