Intersectionality

Intersectionality is a framework for understanding how aspects of a person's social and political identities combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and privilege. It recognizes that these overlapping identities, such as race, gender, class, sexual orientation, and disability, don't exist independently but intersect to shape an individual's life and the systemic inequalities they face. This framework analyzes the interconnected nature of social categorizations and aims to highlight the complexities of lived experiences beyond single-axis analyses.

Intersectionality meaning with examples

• A Black woman may face unique forms of discrimination stemming from the intersection of both racism and sexism. This is different from the experiences of a white woman or a Black man, highlighting the complex interplay of identities.
• Healthcare disparities experienced by a disabled LGBTQ+ person are often compounded by the intersection of their sexual orientation, disability, and gender identity, leading to further barriers in accessing adequate care.
• A low-income, immigrant, single mother faces compounded disadvantages related to her class, immigration status, family structure and gender in areas like housing, education and employment.
• Intersectionality is crucial for legal and policy frameworks, ensuring that laws designed to combat discrimination address the multifaceted nature of oppression, rather than overlooking the specific challenges faced by individuals at the intersections of multiple identities.