Coalition Building Among Feminist Student Groups At American University : Case Study

Coalitions challenge group members’ assumptions and categorical memberships through the incorporation of varying standpoints, subsequently shifting discourse in accordance with coalition members’ aims. The collective “we” of coalescing individuals must acknowledge their imperfect knowledge and intersecting privileges and oppressions in order to interrogate and dismantle systemic disadvantage while moving toward the ultimate goal of reallocation of power through coalition. This study examines the coalition process through interviews with leaders of locationally similar student groups at AU which ally/network under a “feminist umbrella.” This feminist umbrella includes student organizations focused on promoting gender equality, social justice, diversity and inclusiveness through their initiatives on campus. Investigating student organizations’ coalition building activities sheds light on 1. the standpoints and intersectionalities involved as groups work jointly and 2. the challenges these pose in the process of creating alliances and networks among campus groups.