Privilege, Power, and Difference

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. For Johnson, the “matrix of domination” illustrates that social categories are deeply embedded in societal structures and are influential in determining access to power and privilege.

The concept of “nondisability privilege” encapsulates the myriad advantages that individuals without disabilities unknowingly experience due to societal structures and cultural norms that favor able-bodiedness. Johnson delineates how nondisabled people are often oblivious to the privileges that integrate them into social, professional, and personal domains. Nondisabled individuals can navigate through life without the pervasive and limiting stereotypes that challenge those with disabilities, often being granted early opportunities for advancement, second chances at failure, and credibility in their contributions without the burden of low expectations. Moreover, they face fewer physical and social barriers, which allows for an unremarkable participation in public and private spaces—from voting booths to transport systems—affording them a taken-for-granted autonomy and integration into community life.

Johnson uses the term “path(s) of least resistance” to demonstrate how individuals typically behave in ways that perpetuate systemic inequalities, often without conscious intent. Johnson describes these paths as the easiest and most comfortable ways to operate within social systems, which often align with maintaining the status quo and avoiding conflict. By choosing these paths, individuals inadvertently support and reinforce existing social structures and norms, even if they personally disagree with the outcomes or believe in equality. Johnson argues that following these paths of least resistance is a natural human inclination because it minimizes personal risk and conflict.

Johnson defines “unearned advantages” as benefits that people receive not because of anything they have done to earn them, but simply because of the social groups they belong to. These advantages are a type of privilege that certain groups enjoy over others due to societal structures and norms that favor some identities over others. For instance, unearned advantages could include the automatic respect and credibility given to white individuals in many professional and social settings, or the assumption that men are natural leaders, qualities that are often denied to people of color or women under similar circumstances.