French Feminists and Intersectionality: Critical Perspectives

Abstract

During the 1990s, the mainstreaming of intersectional theory marked a paradigmatic shift in Anglo-American feminisms. This paper examines the engagement and critique of intersectionality by French feminists. It highlights the voices of French feminists who align with diverse factions of feminism and whose scholarly contributions address the complexities of difference among women in theoretical, research, and analytical contexts. Through their writings and insights gathered from a series of interviews, it becomes evident that the concepts and identity categories prevalent in French feminisms stem from specific theoretical frameworks of difference, with a distinct historical trajectory compared to the Anglo-American feminisms where intersectionality is predominantly emphasized. The analysis presented herein is informed by a literature review coupled with interviews conducted with a selection of scholars across various feminist trends, all residing in France and recognized for their significant contributions to the discourse on differences within French feminisms. These interviews, which were conducted in-person and recorded using a semi-structured questionnaire, were subsequently analyzed through thematic coding to extract common and salient themes. The findings of this analysis pinpoint three primary critiques of intersectionality articulated by the interviewees: (1) its foundation in predominantly Anglo-American contexts, (2) the prioritization of race-related issues modeled on the U.S. experience, and (3) a hegemonic framework that neglects concepts and analyses emerging from other contexts. Furthermore, the interview data illuminate the power dynamics that influence the construction of intersectionality. The anglicization of intersectionality has allowed this theoretical approach to take root in academia and normalize from an understanding that, although specific, is never clearly identified. The Anglophone identity, like many other dominant identities, goes unnoticed and remains invisible. The insights gathered through this research indicate that French feminists challenge the universalizing assertions of intersectionality, proposing alternative frameworks that resonate more closely with their intellectual heritage for understanding differences and systems of oppression. They ask for tools and theoretical approaches that are better aligned with the unique histories and cultural contexts from which they emerge.