intersectionality

noun

in·​ter·​sec·​tion·​al·​i·​ty ˌin-tər-ˌsek-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

: the complex, cumulative way in which the effects of multiple forms of discrimination (such as racism, sexism, and classism) combine, overlap, or intersect especially in the experiences of marginalized individuals or groups

[Kimberlé] Crenshaw introduced the theory of intersectionality, the idea that when it comes to thinking about how inequalities persist, categories like gender, race, and class are best understood as overlapping and mutually constitutive rather than isolated and distinct.

—Adia Harvey Wingfield

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Study of intersectionality, noted in depth in the April draft, was scaled back significantly before the final release. —Nick Anderson, Washington Post, 19 Feb. 2023

Following those discussions, intersectionality gradually faded from the course. —Stephanie Saul, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2023

In the final version, intersectionality is included only as an example of a possible project that a student might choose. —Laura Meckler, Anchorage Daily News, 10 Feb. 2023

In the final version, intersectionality is included only as an example of a possible project that a student might choose. —Laura Meckler, BostonGlobe.com, 10 Feb. 2023

In the final version, intersectionality is included only as an example of a possible project that a student might choose. —Laura Meckler, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2023

Leverage their talents: Our BRGs advance business priorities, acknowledge intersectionality, and engage with employees at every stage of the employee lifecycle. —Carrie Oman, Quartz, 6 Feb. 2023

Creating employee resource groups or networks that emphasize intersectionality and support all marginalized groups is another, vital way to demonstrate allyship. —Adrien Gaubert, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2023

Type 2 diabetes must be solved through universal healthcare; the opioid epidemic must be tackled by destigmatizing drug use; and ethnic studies classes include body size on the society-blaming intersectionality pyramid. —WSJ, 31 Jan. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1989, in the meaning defined above