Examining the Effect of Power Systems on Black Women's Journey to Political Power in the US
Session Title
Representation, Equity and Lived Experiences
Faculty Mentor
Brandon Ranallo-Benavidez, Ph.D.| O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, Ph.D.
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Political Science
Abstract
The role that intersectionality has played in the lives and political careers of black women is significant. Black female politicians take on different identities which shape the way they are viewed, treated and how they view themselves. In this piece, it will be argued that in the pursuit of political power in America, Black women face greater hurdles than their non-fem and or non-Black counterparts face. In the face of power structures that place certain aspects of their identities in inferior positions, Black women are tasked with overcoming many symptomatic ideals, attitudes, and structures that are foreign to politicians with different identities. Power structures such as the patriarchy, misogyny, racism and heteronormativity intersectionality oppress Black women. Discussion of the ways that these power structures affect these politicians through the timeline of the power acquisitions will be used to validate this argument. Beginning from when a Black woman first gets the idea to run for office through her time in office, the intersectionality of her identity and the power structures that work against her reveal how power plays a significant role in her journey.
Honors Thesis Committee
Brandon Ranallo-Benavidez, Ph.D., O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, Ph.D.
Previously Presented/Performed?
Winthrop University Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors, Rock Hill, SC, April 2023.
Type of Presentation
Oral presentation
Start Date
15-4-2023 12:00 PM
Examining the Effect of Power Systems on Black Women's Journey to Political Power in the US
The role that intersectionality has played in the lives and political careers of black women is significant. Black female politicians take on different identities which shape the way they are viewed, treated and how they view themselves. In this piece, it will be argued that in the pursuit of political power in America, Black women face greater hurdles than their non-fem and or non-Black counterparts face. In the face of power structures that place certain aspects of their identities in inferior positions, Black women are tasked with overcoming many symptomatic ideals, attitudes, and structures that are foreign to politicians with different identities. Power structures such as the patriarchy, misogyny, racism and heteronormativity intersectionality oppress Black women. Discussion of the ways that these power structures affect these politicians through the timeline of the power acquisitions will be used to validate this argument. Beginning from when a Black woman first gets the idea to run for office through her time in office, the intersectionality of her identity and the power structures that work against her reveal how power plays a significant role in her journey.
