Understanding Spoon Theory: A Powerful Metaphor for Energy Management
- Sarah Burrell
- Jun 27
- 3 min read
Discover the power of Spoon Theory in understanding intersectional experiences. Uncover how each individual's journey is unique and complex.
When we operate in a world designed around a certain individual's intersectional makeup, it instantly puts individuals who do not share that makeup at a disadvantage.
The world I refer to here world is the complex interwoven socio-economic, emotional, and physical infrastructural constructs humans are faced with every day. This results in people having diverse areas of disadvantage and privilege.
However, people are complex and multifaceted. For example, a person with a mobility impairment may find it substantially more difficult to climb a set of stairs than a person without a mobility impairment. This puts this person at a disadvantage. If there were an option of an easily operational lift as an alternative, this immediate obstacle may be removed but the disadvantage may still exist in other aspects.
Physical adjustments or accommodations may make this situation accessible but may not make the person feel included. For example, there may be a sign directing delegates to a conference obstructing access to the lift. When asked to move the sign, organisers may look perplexed, as they were not expecting anyone with a mobility impairment to attend the conference, perhaps detailing this or turning to their colleague to ascertain why they had not been told. They may even express annoyance over the inconvenience. They may move the sign, in the end, but what is the impact of this exchange on the person who just simply wants to use the lift? The energy this type of exchange takes up can significantly impact a person’s attention, demeanour, and morale. This is the kind of multi-layered experience spoon theory tries to unpack below.
SO, WHAT IS SPOON THEORY?
Spoon Theory is an analogy curated to further enrich our understanding of intersectional differences and individual experiences. If each person is allotted the same number of spoons for one day. Say we have six spoons. Each spoon represents a unit of energy to fuel and equip us for the day. This has the potential to drive resourcefulness and resolve, the capacity to concentrate, the capacity to empathise, the capacity for joy, and our facility to actively devote energy to positive wellbeing. Although we all are allotted the same number of spoons, each person spends their spoons differently, depending on the level of energy required for each day-to-day task. For example, a seemingly simple task of getting out of bed and getting ready for the day can cost a different number of spoons, depending on the physical, emotional, or mental effort required to do the tasks at hand.
WHY USE SPOON THEORY?
We can use Spoon Theory to try to understand, assess, and differentiate different sets of challenges faced by different individuals when we reflect on the multifaceted and intersectionality of people. When we consider the differential impact of mental/physical health, caring responsibilities, racial injustice, socio-economic status, the impact of bereavement or loss, microaggressions, and the myriad of systemic issues affecting different people, we see that every spoon and every issue may be considerably more complex than it may appear. Every person is unique and intersectional.
WHAT DOES THIS TELL US?
The more we learn about the complexity of intersectionality, the more we learn not to make assumptions. Active engagement is the key. Be as proactive and flexible as you can be. Ask about needs and preferences to ensure accommodations and adaptations can be put in place. Be prepared for curve balls. If we make mistakes, own them and learn from them. It's ok. We are all learning about something new all the time. How we handle ourselves when a mistake we have made is just as important as realising we have made one. The words we choose and how we behave can impact others.
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