Intersectionality in Terry McMillan’s Mama: A Critical Analysis

Objectives: This research aims to analyze Terry McMillan’s Mama, paying close attention to the concept of intersectionality. It also aims to analyze the multiple components of identity that cause suffering to women of color. Methods: This research uses close reading to analyze Terry McMillan’s Mama as a case study. Results: This research argues that intersectionality has a lot of dangerous effects on families and communities such as domestic violence, unemployment among women, and depriving women of their basic social and political rights. As a result, identity components such as gender, race, ethnicity, educational background, and social status work together as a source of suffering for women. Accordingly, the intersectionality that prevents women from enjoying their rights should be discarded. Conclusions: The research concludes that intersectionality seriously harms women and has ever-lasting effects not only on their families but also on the whole community. The research, therefore, recommends that victimized women need to support themselves with a strong will, self-confidence, solidarity, and education to better the social and financial levels of their lives.