The intersection of racism and sexism. Theoretical tools for an analysis of male violence against women in public discourse on migrations

Abstract

Anthropological and feminist studies had drawn attention to how subjectivities are defined by different sociological variables – gender, class, national origin, sexual orientation and “race”. In particular, debates on the intersections of racism and sexism showed how difficult it is to establish whether sex or “race” is the most important variable. It was rather suggested that it is more useful to examine the way they interact so to comprehend the different experiences of sexual and racial oppression. Drawing upon some of the most important feminist texts and concepts, I discuss the intersection of racism and sexism, analyzing their similarities and differences. Lastly, I consider how in Italian society sexism and racism are interlocked in public discourses on immigration and in the way men’s violence against women is perceived.