Intersectional Financial Feminism

Defining things can be tough; here is my take on something I’ve been thinking about for over a decade.

Intersectional financial feminism is an evolving framework that combines the principles of intersectionality and feminism within the context of 21st-century American capitalism. It recognizes that people's experiences of gender inequality are shaped by their intersecting identities, such as race, class, sexuality, and ability. It acknowledges that these identities interact to create unique economic discrimination and disadvantage.

At its core, intersectional financial feminism seeks to address individuals' gendered and economic inequities by examining how various social systems and structures intersect to shape financial outcomes. It recognizes that gender inequality is not a standalone issue but intersects with other systems of oppression, such as racism and classism, creating complex and interconnected challenges.

Intersectional financial feminism aims to challenge and dismantle these intersecting forms of oppression by advocating for policies, practices, and systems that promote economic justice for all individuals, focusing on the historically marginalized. It seeks to address the gender wage gap, the wealth gap, financial exclusion, and other economic disparities through an intersectional lens.

This framework emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the unique experiences and needs of different groups of women and individuals of non-binary and gender non-conforming identities. It promotes inclusivity and diversity in economic decision-making processes, advocates for fair and equal pay, supports access to financial resources and opportunities and works towards creating an economy that benefits all individuals regardless of their intersecting identities.

Overall, intersectional financial feminism recognizes the interconnected nature of gender, race, class, and other identity markers and seeks to advance economic justice through an intersectional lens, challenging the systemic barriers perpetuating inequality. It is a collaborative framework that should be informed by the many, not the privileged few.

To further explore ideas about how our diverse and multifaceted identities are celebrated, commodified, and utilized in the landscape of modern American capitalism, click here for a policy brief and baseline survey results.