intersectionalitywhere

Intersectionality is a framework for understanding how various social and political identities, such as gender, race, class, sexual orientation, and disability, combine to create unique modes of discrimination and privilege. The term was coined by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989 to describe how anti-discrimination laws often failed to protect Black women because they addressed race and gender discrimination separately, overlooking the specific challenges faced by those who occupied both identities.

This concept argues that these identities are not independent but rather are interconnected and overlapping. An individual's experience of oppression or advantage is shaped by the intersection of these multiple identity categories. For example, a Black woman may face discrimination that is distinct from that faced by a white woman or a Black man, due to the combined effects of racism and sexism.

Intersectionality is used as a tool to analyze social inequalities and to advocate for social justice. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the complexities of lived experiences, rather than treating individuals as members of single, monolithic groups. By understanding how different forms of oppression interact, it aims to create more inclusive and effective approaches to social change.