Intersectionality within the racial justice movement in the summer of 2020

Abstract

In an environment that is high in racial justice saliency, how do identities inform motivation for supporting specific issues in the crowd? This study examines the role that intersectionality played in mobilizing participants to join the mass demonstrations sparked by the murder of George Floyd. Building on recent studies that show how protest participants connect issue-based concerns with their identities to boost support for movements, we analyze data collected through surveys with a random sample of activists participating in the protests after George Floyd's death in Washington, DC, in 2020. We find that intersectional motivations played a significant role in mobilizing protest participants. Analysis of these factors helps explain the diversity of the crowd and provides insights into how the movement may contribute to greater success for racial justice and the degree to which the movement has staying power.

Keywords: intersectionality; protest; racial justice; social identity; systemic racism.

Fig. 1.

Distribution of intersectional motivations based on the percentage of respondents who selected these issues when asked, “What motivated you to participate today?” Respondents could choose as many motivations as appropriate (n = 534).

Fig. 2.

Parameter estimates for intersectional motivations (n = 534). Full table is available in the SI Appendix, Table S4. Dots represent coefficient estimates and lines represent 95% confidence interval. All models are estimated with probit regression. BA, Bachelor of Arts; LGBTQ+, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and others.