PUBLISHED July, 2022 [UPDATED October 2024]
What is it?
Hierarchical Dualism refers to an intersectional system which divides, evaluates, & ranks every aspect of human categorization; subordinating classifications traditionally associated with marginalized communities & privileging select few.
Traditional Associations
Mind & Body has been associated with every aspect of dualistic human categorization (including race & gender) generally privileging certain intersectional identities over others (epistemically & socio-economically) by associating them with "superior" qualities / traits / characteristics, skills, capacities, opportunities, & judgments.
Intersectional Identities
(Race, gender, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, ability, ideology)
Epistemic Associations
(Knowledge & Justified Belief)
HEGEMONIC
WHITE CIS-MALE(NESS)
Historically: Upper / middle class, heterosexual, physically- & cognitively- abled, Christian (i.e., dominant religion)
NON-HEGEMONIC (MELANATED) FEMALE(NESS)
Historically: Anyone viewed / labeled as being
in "opposition" to / outside of the hegemony / binary
REASON
Historically linked w/ masculinity
Mind
Rationality
The Subject / "Knower"
Clear & Determinate
Knowable
Must be "sought"
EMOTION
Historically linked w/ femininity
Body
Irrationality
The Object / "to be known"
Vague & Indeterminate
Unknowable
Must be "overcome"
Metaphysical Associations
REAL
Historically linked w/ masculinity
The Absolute
Objective Truth
Defined "in and of itself"
Given the benefit of the doubt
Extended Authority
UNRELIABLE
Historically linked w/ femininity
The Other
Subjective / Contingent Truth
Defined only relationally
Disbelieved
Denied Authority
HUMANITY
Historically w/ white masculinity
Rational Mind
Container
Agent (will / autonomy)
Can transcend animal nature
Light / Sun
Heaven
Orderly
ANIMAL NATURE
Historically w/ femininity / melanin
Emotional Body
To be contained
Object (Sex) to be acted upon
Subject to decisions of "Man"
Dark(ness) / Moon
Earth
Disorderly
Axiological Associations
(Value Judgments & Expectations)
Associations with Power
(Systemic & Interpersonal)
GOOD
Historically w/ white masculinity
Positive / Neutral
Societal "Norm" / "Ideal"
Moral / Virtuous
Regular / Expectation
Strength / Asset
Life
BAD
Historically w/ femininity / melanin
Negative / Limited
Qualification / Exception
Amoral / Immoral (Sin / Vice)
Peculiar / Aberration
Weakness / Hindrance
Death
PRIVILEGED
Historically white masculinity
Superior / Master
Dominant (not most prevalent)
Reflects / Maintains status quo
Active / Doer
Independent
Conqueror / Explorer
Public = Creator of government & history (citizen)
SUBORDINATED
Historically femininity / melanin
Inferior / Slave
Oppressed
Unconventional / Challenges status quo
Passive / to be acted upon
Dependent
To be Dominated / Keeper of household
Private = Satisfies biological / natural needs (sex object)
Conceptual Context
How has dualistic thinking resulted in inequality & injustice?
Value Hierarchy
Attaches normative judgment to each opposing binary, subordinating Body as "less than" the Mind
Learn More ▼
Argues dualism is not only false, ...
... but justifies Essentialist subordination & oppression at the expense of body rights
Disagree with the associations above? You're not alone!
Feminist Reversal of Traditional Normative Associations
While many Feminist scholars reject dualism outright, others flip the traditional axiological associations to highlight patterns of patriarchal oppression and realign that which has been historically marginalized with what should be celebrated.
REDEFINING "HEGEMONIC"
Hierarchical
Individualistic
Dismissive & Competitive
Conservatism / Technocratic / Kleptocratic
Scarcity / Short-term mindset
Racist & Antifeminist (White Nationalist)
Homogeneity, Exclusion, & Isolationism
Patriarchal / Oppressive
Defensive / Revisionist
Rigid / Disempowering
Narrow / Simplistic
Volatility
REDEFINING "NON-HEGEMONIC"
Egalitarian
Communal
Compassionate & Collaborative
Liberalism / Democratic / Socialist
Abundance / Long-term mindset
Antiracist & Feminist (Social Justice)
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Transformative / Subversive
Activist / Reconstructionist
Adaptive / Empowering
Broad / Holistic
Predictability / Stability
