Building a Theory, Measuring a Concept: Exploring Intersectionality and Latina Activism at the Individual Level

Abstract

Untangling the complexities of intersecting identities at the microlevel is important to our studies of political participation. In the following article I propose a typology whereby the intersectionality of gender and ethnic identity may be disaggregated along individualistic and collectivistic dimensions. Using group interviews, I find that collectivistic orientations of intersecting gender and ethnic identity mobilize Latinas into political activism. However, an individualistic orientation of gender or ethnic identity demobilizes Latinas or redirects their activism. These findings indicate that future measures of gender and ethnic intersectionality at the micro-level should include both individualistic and collectivistic dimensions.Intersectionality research is entering an important stage of development whereby a delicate balance must be struck between theories that recognize the fluidity of identity and the empirical investigations that seek to operationalize and apply this complex concept (Hancock 2007;McCall 2005). García Bedolla (2007) recently challenged us to "do a much better job of measuring group identity than we do currently" (239). As the theoretical complexities intersectionality offers are introduced to the studies in our discipline, it is important for political scientists to engage in the debate that will surely surround its operationalization. Otherwise, we cede the debate to others who may not be as concerned with capturing the complexity of its

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