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
Adia Harvey WingfieldExamples of intersectionality in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The online community platform aims to amplify the perspectives of people with disabilities and publishes commentary on ableism, intersectionality and media.
—Shawna Chen, Axios, 11 July 2024
In this article, the authors explore how intersectionality shows up in recruitment, retention, and promotions through the lens of Black employees’ experiences, as well as explore talent-management strategies and real-world examples.
—Marlette Jackson
paria Rajai, Harvard Business Review, 8 Feb. 2024
The intersectionality of race and justice cannot be overlooked.
—Eugene Z. Bertrand, Hartford Courant, 1 July 2024
Segal in particular hopes to see further discussions about the intersectionality of the LGBTQ liberation movement and its connections to other movements for equality and civil rights.
—Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 28 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for intersectionality 
Shawna Chen, Axios, 11 July 2024
In this article, the authors explore how intersectionality shows up in recruitment, retention, and promotions through the lens of Black employees’ experiences, as well as explore talent-management strategies and real-world examples.
—Marlette Jackson
paria Rajai, Harvard Business Review, 8 Feb. 2024
The intersectionality of race and justice cannot be overlooked.
—Eugene Z. Bertrand, Hartford Courant, 1 July 2024
Segal in particular hopes to see further discussions about the intersectionality of the LGBTQ liberation movement and its connections to other movements for equality and civil rights.
—Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 28 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for intersectionality
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'intersectionality.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near intersectionality
Cite this Entry
“Intersectionality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intersectionality. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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