Privilege, Power, and Difference

Johnson introduces the concept of “conferred dominance” to describe a form of privilege that goes beyond mere unearned advantages to actively granting one group power over another. This concept underscores the systemic aspect of privilege, whereby certain groups are not only given unearned benefits but are also institutionally positioned to dominate other groups. Conferred dominance is deeply embedded in societal norms and structures, manifesting through various forms of authority and control that are often taken for granted by those who benefit from them. Johnson explains that conferred dominance is not simply about overt control or aggression; it is frequently manifested in subtle interactions and expectations that normalize the authority of certain groups over others. For example, in gender dynamics, men may be socially permitted to interrupt women or dominate conversations, reflecting a societal expectation of male authority.

Johnson refers to the term “matrix of domination,” originally coined by Patricia Hill Collins, to discuss the complex and interlocking nature of societal hierarchies that affect individuals differently based on their race, gender, class, and other identity markers. Johnson explores how these overlapping systems of oppression operate within society. He emphasizes that an individual’s experience under these systems is not just the sum of separate biases—like racism, sexism, or classism—but rather a synthesis of their effects, which creates unique challenges for each person depending on their intersection of identities.