Which group is typically included in discussions of standpoint theory?

Standpoint theory emphasizes the perspectives of marginalized or less powerful groups, highlighting how their unique experiences provide valuable insights into societal structures and power dynamics. This theory originated in feminist thought and has been expanded to include various forms of social identity and oppression, such as race, class, gender, and sexuality.

Individuals from groups that have been historically oppressed, such as women and racial minorities, often perceive and experience the world differently than those in dominant positions. Their viewpoints can reveal biases and gaps in traditional knowledge frameworks that are often shaped by the experiences of more privileged groups. By centering the experiences of these marginalized communities, standpoint theory advocates for a recognition of how knowledge is socially situated.

In contrast, the other groups listed—corporate executives, individuals from upper socio-economic statuses, and political leaders—are typically discussed within the context of power and privilege, rather than as perspectives that enrich the understanding of systemic inequalities. These groups generally represent dominant narratives that may overlook or dismiss the lived realities of underrepresented populations.