Intersectionality and its Impact on Epistemology and Education

The transdiscplinary research project “Intersectionality and its Impact on Epistemology and Education” enables students from different disciplinary backgrounds to question the hierarchy inherent to research and the academic field. Intersectionality describes the phenomenon of two or more intersecting forms of discrimination against groups, e.g. racism and sexism. Epistemology is the science of knowledge.

One of the findings of epistemology is the introduction of epistemic injustice. “Knowledge is power” is a saying that you have heard before. Yet, is holds more truth than one would anticipate at first. Whenever individuals do have better access to academic education they are more likely to obtain well-paid jobs or higher offices. Also, our picture of so-called objectivity is influenced by a certain normativity. If we were to imagine a philosopher for instance, most would picture a cis-male, heterosexual, white, older individual with academic background. Consequently, these individuals are more likely to be credited with competence and objectivity. Yet, our globalized world is more diverse than this very norm. So, how can we create a more diverse academic sphere and how can access to academia become more inclusive?

This project aims for the creation of a best practice guide for a more inclusive and less discriminatory language within German-speaking academia.

Student research group

Mara Kramer (they/them)
Oliver Dedio (he/him)

Mentor

Prof. Dr. Dustin Breitenwischer

Contact

criticalracetheory.uhh@gmail.com