Matrix of domination
The matrix of domination is a sociological framework that explores how various forms of social stratification—such as race, sex, and economic class—intersect to create complex layers of power and oppression within society. Introduced by Patricia Hill Collins in her influential work, "Black Feminist Thought," this concept posits that individual experiences of domination cannot be understood in isolation, as they are shaped by multiple, overlapping identities. Consequently, the matrix reflects that individuals may navigate different levels of privilege and disadvantage based on their unique combinations of social categories.
Collins's theory emphasizes that societal power dynamics often favor certain groups—such as European Americans and wealthier individuals—while marginalizing others, particularly African Americans, women, and those from lower economic classes. The interactions of these various factors result in distinct and complicated experiences of oppression or advantage for individuals. For instance, the social standing of a wealthy European American male may be markedly different from that of a poor African American female.
Collins ultimately encourages those facing domination to harness their lived experiences and knowledge as a means of navigating and challenging these oppressive structures, advocating for empowerment and the betterment of their communities. This framework invites a deeper understanding of social inequality and fosters awareness of the interconnectedness of various forms of discrimination.
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Matrix of domination
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 people with lower incomes. In that way, a wealthy European American male would likely have more power than a low-income 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 older, rich Asian American woman in the South would likely have some advantages and some disadvantages when compared to a young, low-income 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.
In 2022, Collins released the 30th anniversary edition of Black Feminist Thought.
Bibliography
Allan, Kenneth. The Social Lens: An Invitation to Social and Sociological Theory. 3rd ed., Pine Forge Press, 2013.
Collins, Patricia Hill. Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness, and the Politics of Empowerment. Unwin Hyman, 1990.
Colom, Anna. “Anna Carastathis, Intersectionality: Origins, Contestations, Horizons.” Feminism & Psychology, vol. 29, no. 4, 2019, pp. 553–57, doi:10.1177/0959353518815209. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.
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 4 Feb. 2025.
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 4 Feb. 2025.
"Patricia Hill Collins: Distinguished University Professor." University of Maryland, Department of Sociology, socy.umd.edu/facultyprofile/collins/patricia-hill. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.