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Kimberle Crenshaw Theory Of Intersectionality

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Kimberle Crenshaw Theory Of Intersectionality
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The importance of an intersectional mindset is key to seeing why previous researchers have fallen short in their findings, as well as how to successfully move forward. I draw from Kimberlé Crenshaw’s term “intersectionality” coined in 1989. While this term often used in the field of women’s and gender studies, the nature of the concept is crucial to understanding the current issue of Pennsylvania gerrymandering. Crenshaw states that issues of oppression must be looked at, through the intersection of identities because “we don’t live one issue lives,” (The Urgency of Intersectionality).
Moreover, the same way oppression for people does not operate solely based on gender, race, sexuality or more, the case for gerrymandering does …show more content…
Looking at the patterns and interactions of information from databases and scholarly works greatly contributes to answering the central question. The overall buildup of data and arguments will support findings regarding how Pennsylvania got gerrymandered. The intent is to build off of current research and the answer to the central question will be found through the compilation of research and data from the variety of lenses previously described. Before going into the bulk of attempting to answer the central question, a foundation of research will be conducted as well as incorporated into the final works. A basic explanation of gerrymandering will give, along with preliminary information, a baseline of knowledge that remains essential for understanding how Pennsylvania’s congressional districts became …show more content…
Evidence from previous scholarly arguments, legal, empirical and otherwise will be used in conjunction with information from databases in order to illustrate the gerrymandering process in Pennsylvania. Numerical data that will be taken will include, but will not be limited to, district partisan voting patterns, district demographics, incumbent reelection rate, partisan victory margins, relationship with voting records for state legislature and presidential elections, changes in voting patterns and more. Just as well, legal findings and Supreme Court case overviews will be used to compliment other information. Descriptions of the institutional and political processes of the Pennsylvania state legislature will be used in conjunction with other research to illustrate how the reapportionment system allows for legal gerrymandering of congressional
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