intersectionality

American  

[in-ter-sek-shuh-nal-i-tee] / ˌɪn tərˌsɛk ʃəˈnæl ɪ ti /

noun

1. Also called intersectional theory.  Also called intersectionality theory;.  the theory that the overlap of various social identities, as race, gender, sexuality, and class, contributes to the specific type of systemic oppression and discrimination experienced by an individual (often used attributively).

   Her paper uses a queer intersectionality approach.

2. the oppression and discrimination resulting from the overlap of an individual’s various social identities.

   the intersectionality experienced by Black women.

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Etymology

Origin of intersectionality

Coined in 1989 by U.S. legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw (born 1959); intersectional ( def. ) + -ity ( def. )

Explanation

Intersectionality is the idea that everyone has several overlapping parts of their identity that affect the way they're viewed and treated in society. The concept of intersectionality helps people understand that we all fit into more than one category, and that those intersecting identities can make some of us especially vulnerable to discrimination. A woman may experience bias not just because she's female, but also because of her race, religion, or sexual orientation, for example. Intersectionality takes all of those factors into consideration. The term comes from the intersection, or crossing, of all the complex identities that make up each individual person.

Example Sentences

To be most effective and cut through the noise, the climate movement needs intersectionality.

From Salon • Dec. 31, 2025

Today she is the executive director of Re-Earth Initiative, which focuses on the intersectionality of the climate crisis and has a strong presence on Instagram.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 12, 2024

"Thus, careful consideration of the intersectionality of aging, cancer and disparities will be critical in designing future oncology and other disease trials to advance health equity."

From Science Daily • Apr. 29, 2024

“It’s the perfect intersectionality between both of us,” Milton said.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 22, 2023

Organisers hope the conference will explore themes like the fandom phenomenon, Swift's team's "marketing masterclass", and the singer-songwriter's impact on discussions of gender, identity, race, and intersectionality.

From BBC • Sep. 21, 2023