Standpoint Theory

Standpoint theory is a postmodern method for analyzing inter-subjective discourses. This theory concerns the authority generated by people's knowledge and the power such authority has to shape people's opinions in daily life. Standpoint theory's most important concept is that an individual's own perspectives are shaped by his or her experiences in social locations and social groups. Standpoints always involve more than one factor. For example, if you look at different Hispanic women, their standpoints may resemble one another in terms of race and biological sex categories; however, if their socioeconomic status is different, their standpoints are not completely the same. These perspectives are the core point of view for individuals to see the world. Standpoint theory focuses especially on gender perspectives to see how feminine viewpoints shape women's communication with themselves, others, and the world. Standpoint theory has a huge effect on how people's perceptions change from one thing to another. A standpoint is a place from which one views and sees the world, that determines both what one focuses on as well as what is obscured. Depending on one's situation, one's standpoint may vary from that of another individual who may be of a similar status.

Standpoint theories are said to remind people why a naturalistic conception of knowing is important. Knowledge helps people understand part of the world that they normally tend to not understand. Gaining knowledge occurs only in specific circumstances and has real consequences. These consequences can have an effect on how a person can live his or her life. It matters politically as well as epistemically which concepts are intelligible, which claims are heard and understood by whom, which features of the world are perceptually salient, and which reasons are understood to be relevant and forceful, as well as which conclusions credible.

Standpoint theory supports what feminist theorist Sandra Harding calls strong objectivity, or the notion that the perspectives of marginalized and/or oppressed individuals can help to create more objective accounts of the world. Through the outsider-within phenomenon, these individuals are placed in a unique position to point to patterns of behavior that those immersed in the dominant group culture are unable to recognize. Standpoint theory gives voice to the marginalized groups by allowing them to challenge the status quo as the outsider within. The status quo representing the dominant white male position of privilege.

The predominant culture in which all groups exist is not experienced in the same way by all persons or groups. The views of those who belong to groups with more social power are validated more than those in marginalized groups. Those in marginalized groups must learn to be bicultural, or to "pass" in the dominant culture to survive, even though that perspective is not their own. For persons of color, in an effort to help organizations achieve their diversity initiatives, there is an expectation that they will check their color at the door in order to assimilate into the existing culture and discursive practices.