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Intersectionality and Individualism

Applications for this program have closed.

Is it possible to theoretically and practically merge the intersectional and individualistic methods in the social sciences? Does one imply the other? Can scholars understand human behavior either without reference to individuals or without reference to the intersections of an individual’s many different identities? This seminar will explore the contemporary concept of intersectionality and its place within a framework of methodological individualism, with particular emphasis on gender, race, religion, sexual identity, and individual agency. “Intersectionality and Individualism” will take place online, via Zoom, from August 12 to 13.

Readings:

Session 1: Individualism as Method
  • Mises, Ludwig von. Human Action: A Treatise on Economics, in 4 volumes. Edited by Bettina Bien Greaves (Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, 2007). Chapter II. The Epistemological Problems of the Sciences of Human Action,” pp. 30-64, Chapter III. Economics and the Revolt Against Reason,” pp. 72-91.
  • Rothbard, Murray. “Viewpoint: The Conspiracy Theory of History Revisited.” Reason (April 1977).
Session 2: Intersectionality as Method
  • Crenshaw, Kimberle. “Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics.” University of Chicago Legal Forum vol. 1989 no. 1, 139-167.
  • Khader, Serene J. “Intersectionality and the Ethics of Transnational Commercial Surrogacy.” International Journal of Feminist Approaches to Bioethics 6 no. 1 (Spring 2013): 68-90.
Session 3: Gender and Religion – Women in Islamic History
  • Ahmed, Leila. Women and Gender in Islam: Historical Roots of a Modern Debate (Yale University Press, 1992). Chapter 8, “The Discourse of the Veil,” pages 144-168, Chapter 9, “The First Feminists,” pages 169-188, “Conclusion,” pages 235-248.
Session 4: Culture and Environment – The World of Tsenacomoco
  • Kelly, Joseph. Marooned: Jamestown, Shipwreck, and a New History of America’s Origin. (New York: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2018). “Chapter Two: Tsenacomoco,” 69-101 and “Chapter Three: Nantaquod on the James,” 103-133.
Session 5: Work, Ideas, and Bodies – The Explosive Benjamin Lay
  • Rediker, Marcus. The Fearless Benjamin Lay: The Quaker Dwarf Who Became the First Revolutionary Abolitionist (Boston: Beacon Press, 2017). Introduction, “Prophet Against Slavery,” pages 1-10, Chapter 1, “Early Life,” pages 11-28, Chapter Five, “Books and a New Life,” pages 95-118, Conclusion, “The Giant Oak,” pages 141-150.
Session 6: Class, Race, and Age – The Reverse Underground Railroad
  • Bell, Richard. Stolen: Five Free Boys Kidnapped Into Slavery and Their Astonishing Odyssey Home. (New York: Simon & Schuster, 2019). Introduction, “The Reverse Underground Railroad,” pages 1-11; Chapter One, “Sanctuary City,” pages 11-31; Chapter Two, “Black Hearts,” pages 33-46; and Chapter Three, “Midnight Land,” pages 47-62.

Here is the timeline for our application process:

  1. Apply for a position 
  2. An HR team member will review your application submission  
  3. If selected for consideration, you will speak with a recruiter 
  4. If your experience and skills match the role, you will interview with the hiring manager
  5. If you are a potential fit for the position, you will interview with additional staff members
  6. If you are the candidate chosen, we will extend a job offer

 

All candidates will be notified regarding the status of their application within two to three weeks of submission. As new positions often become available, we encourage you to visit our site frequently for additional opportunities that align with your interests and skills.