Work

Intersectional Feminism in Brit Bennett’s the Vanishing Half: Structural and Representational Dimensions

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines intersectional feminism in Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half by focusing on structural and representational intersectionality. Using Crenshaw’s intersectionality framework, the study applies directed qualitative content analysis to selected textual evidence concerning Stella Vignes, Desiree Vignes, and Jude Winston. The findings show that structural intersectionality is reflected in racialized access to employment, unequal labor relations, economic dependency, and gender-based violence. Representational intersectionality appears through colorism, beauty standards, expectations surrounding marriage, and cultural constructions of Black femininity. The experiences of the three characters demonstrate that race, gender, class, and skin color do not operate independently but interact in shaping material opportunities, vulnerability, and social value. Overall, the novel illustrates that inequality is produced through both social structures and cultural representations.

Source: Channing Journal of English Language Education and Literature

DOI: 10.30599/pqs3a884

Authors: Abdullah, Siti, Mariana, Ana, Mukhsin , Hasna Nurain

Institution: Universitas Muhammadiyah Gorontalo

Language: English

Topic: Feminist Theory and Gender Studies

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Gender equality

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7225005546

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