The Development of a New Chingona Epistemology

• In Event: 28.089 - MTCC Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: 28.089-11 - Gender Exploration for Latinas: Empowering Chingonas

Abstract

The concept of “being a Chingona” resonates with a few Latina scholar colleagues yet the majority shy away from using such a label because it is seen as vulgar. The aim of this manuscript is to begin to reclaim this word as an empowering framework for mujeres to unapologetically call themselves Chingonas. A Chingona epistemology framework is presented from a cultural standpoint that is located in the interconnected identities of race/ethnicity, gender, class, and sexuality and within the historical and contemporary context of oppressions and resistance. In this proposal the historical antecedents of the word “chingona” are briefly presented followed by the development of a new Chingona Epistemology framework. The paper concludes with a discussion on enacting Chingona-ness.

Author

• Lucy Arellano, Oregon State University