106k views
2 votes
According to Peggy McIntosh, what concept is akin to "an invisible package of unearned assets" and what are some components of this package?

User Havok
by
8.2k points

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

Peggy McIntosh equates white privilege to an 'invisible package of unearned assets' and details components such as societal representation and systemic advantages for white individuals.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Peggy McIntosh, the concept akin to "an invisible package of unearned assets" is known as white privilege. In her seminal work "White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack," McIntosh describes white privilege as an invisible, weightless knapsack of special provisions and advantages that white people carry, often without their knowledge. Some components of this package include not having to consider one's race in most situations, being represented in various spheres of society, not having to represent one's entire racial group in their actions, and benefiting from societal structures that favor white individuals over others. These unearned assets contribute to the systematic benefits that sustain unbalanced power dynamics and inequalities in society.

User Starfry
by
8.8k points