“Intersectionality in A Doll’s House”

by Sam Waheed

Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House" is a timeless classic that delves into the complex intersection of class conflict and gender in late 19th-century society. Through the character Nora, Ibsen presents a powerful critique of patriarchal norms that restrict women's lives and how economic status can create power imbalances and influence social relationships. The play also explores the deep-rooted class conflicts that permeate society, exemplified by Torvald's control over the household finances and Nora's vulnerability to his manipulation. In this essay, we will explore the multifaceted nature of these themes and how they are still relevant in today's world.

Throughout the play, Nora's transformation from a submissive wife to gaining independence is a central theme. In the beginning, Nora is depicted as a woman who adheres to the societal expectations of her gender and is content with her traditional role as a wife and mother. She willingly plays the part of a "doll wife," fulfilling her husband's every wish and desire without question. However, as the play progresses, Nora's dissatisfaction with her life becomes more apparent, and she begins to question the patriarchal norms that restrict her. One way that Nora challenges gender norms is by using her femininity to her advantage. She recognizes that her husband treats her like a child and uses this to manipulate him. In this sense, Nora is not merely a passive victim of gender oppression but an active agent who uses the tools available to her to assert her independence. At the same time, Nora's lack of financial independence makes her vulnerable to her husband's control and manipulation. She is trapped in a marriage where she has no control over her own life and is entirely dependent on her husband for financial support. This financial dependency reinforces the power imbalance between Nora and her husband and highlights how economic status can create oppressive social relationships.

 Class conflict is another theme in the play and is portrayed through many of the characters. The play features characters from many different social classes, such as Mrs.Linde, who is a working-class woman, and Krogstad, who is a lower-middle-class man. Both characters are struggling financially and are forced to make difficult decisions to survive. The theme of class conflict is also expressed through the character of Torvald, who holds a position of power and authority due to his economic status and because he is a man. Throughout the play, Torvald's obsession with social status and financial success is emphasized, reflecting the values of the upper-middle class during the time the play was written. His control over the finances of the household reinforces the power imbalance between Nora and him. 

Intersectionality is a powerful concept that values and recognizes the interconnected and intricate nature of our identities. It sheds light on the fact that various forms of oppression combine and intersect, creating complex layers of injustice that disproportionately affect marginalized groups. This notion is particularly relevant to feminism, as it acknowledges that women's experiences are diverse and that certain groups of women face additional barriers due to their ethnicity, race, sexuality, class, and other factors. For example, black women are three times more likely to die in childbirth than white women, illustrating the pressing need to address racial disparities in healthcare. Low-income women may face numerous challenges that intersect with their gender identity, including economic insecurity, limited access to education and job opportunities, and inadequate healthcare. Policies such as minimum wage laws and access to affordable childcare disproportionately affect low-income women, who are more likely to have caregiving responsibilities and work in low-wage jobs. 

In the struggle for gender equality, it is imperative feminist movements make space for all women who are marginalized and silenced within our racist and patriarchal culture. Women of color often feel left out of feminist spaces because they prioritize the experiences and needs of white women. As Janet Mock notes, “transgender women have historically been excluded from mainstream feminism due to their biology and experiences”. Different identities and situations make feminism different for everyone. To achieve true equity and dismantle systemic oppression, feminist movements must embrace intersectionality and center the voices and needs of marginalized women. On a related note, It is worth considering how financial independence can empower women like Nora to leave oppressive situations earlier.

When reading this play, it is important to remember that Nora's story, while highlighting the importance of standing up for yourself and financial independence, also underscores the privilege that comes with being white and having access to support and resources. Nora's ability to leave an oppressive situation and start a new life was enabled by her privilege, which is not a reality for many women who are trapped in similar situations. However, Nora's story can still be useful to discuss, as it demonstrates the role that economic empowerment can play in breaking down systemic barriers for women, and it gives us insight into earlier forms of feminism. 

“A Doll's House” remains a powerful critique of the intersectionality of oppression and marginalization faced by women during the 19th century, and continues to resonate with contemporary audiences. Despite significant progress toward gender equality, women around the world are facing systemic barriers that limit their economic opportunities and perpetuate power imbalances in relationships. The intersection of gender and class conflict remains a pressing issue, as marginalized communities continue to face economic disparities and unequal access to resources. In this context, "A Doll's House" serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for social justice and the need to challenge oppressive societal norms. The play continues to offer a timeless commentary on the complex issues of gender, class, and power that shape our society today.