intersectionality
Last updatedDefinition
Scholar and civil rights activist Kimberlé Crenshaw coined the term intersectionality in 1989. Intersectionality includes showing how the overlapping of multiple identities can also expose the experience of privilege and oppression (for instance, a Black woman will experience the world and different types of bias than a white woman or a Black man). Considering intersectionality means remembering that one factor, such as race or religion, doesn’t drive all of someone’s behaviors or opinions. Similarly, one individual cannot “stand in” for an entire group, and no group has monolithic views or behaviors. It’s important to evaluate sources so that they do not all come from the same background or have similar characteristics. See the Language, Please editorial tools for more resources.
Additional resources
- Racial Equity Tools Glossary (Racial Equity Tools)
- Glossary of Terms: Race, Equity and Social Justice (International City/County Management Association)
- She Coined the Term ‘Intersectionality’ Over 30 Years Ago. Here’s What It Means to Her Today (Time)
Summary
Intersectionality is the simultaneous intersection of discrimination and disempowerment that creates overlapping vulnerabilities. Considering intersectionality means remembering that one factor, such as race or religion, doesn’t drive all of someone’s behaviors or opinions. Similarly, one individual cannot “stand in” for an entire group, and no group has monolithic views or behaviors.