Standpoint theory

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Standpoint theory, also known as standpoint epistemology,^[1] is a foundational framework in feminist social theory that examines how individuals' social identities (i.e. race, gender, disability status), influence their understanding of the world. Standpoint theory proposes that those in positions of marginalization are able to achieve certain standpoints which put them in a better position to know certain facts about the world related to that marginalization.

First originating in feminist philosophy, this theory posits that marginalized groups, situated as "outsiders within," offer valuable insights that challenge dominant perspectives and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of societal dynamics. One's standpoint hapes which concepts are intelligible, which claims are heard and understood by whom, which features of the world are perceptually salient, which reasons are understood to be relevant and forceful, and which conclusions credible.^[2]

Standpoint theory consists of three main theses: the situated knowledge thesis, the achievement thesis, and the epistemic privilege thesis. The situated knowledge thesis states that what one is in a position to know depends on one's social identity. The achievement thesis states that one has not achieved a standpoint merely in virtue of having a certain social identity; rather, a standpoint is achieved through a process called consciousness raising. The epistemic privilege thesis states that there is some epistemic advantage to being in a position of marginalization.^[3]

In response to critiques that early standpoint theory treated social perspectives as monolithic or essentialized, social theorists understand standpoints as multifaceted rather than unvarying or absolute.^[4] For example, while Hispanic women may generally share some perspectives, particularly with regard to ethnicity and gender, they are not defined solely by these viewpoints; despite some common features, there is no essentially Hispanic female identity.