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Glite Dictionary
intersectionality

intersectionality

2 8.6
A way of looking at how social identities like race and gender overlap to cause unique unfair treatment
  • noun
  • /ˌɪntərsɛkʃəˈnælɪti/
: interseccionalidad
  • Because the intersectional experience is greater than the sum of racism and sexism, any analysis that does not take intersectionality into account cannot sufficiently address the particular manner in which Black women are subordinated.
  • theory of intersectionality

And it's making me think of intersectionality, how things in in all of our lives meet each other in some way.

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Examples

  • By studying intersectionality, researchers can better analyze how social identities influence one's access to privilege or disadvantage.

  • An understanding of intersectionality is crucial for developing inclusive policies that address the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups.

  • And it's making me think of intersectionality, how things in in all of our lives meet each other in some way.

    Jay Shetty Podcast

  • Perhaps it's time for some intersectionality when it comes to street harassment.

    Blog text (9)

  • Why is the intersectionality framework useful for studying politics?

    Academic text (2013)

  • The framework of intersectionality may be particularly helpful in understanding how gender and region work to shape distinct political attitudes.

    Academic text (2013)

  • To better understand how each of these socially constructed categories intersects with the other, I employ the theory of intersectionality.

    Academic text (2013)

  • Using the theoretical lens of intersectionality, I examine how the confluence of gender, region, and race shapes political attitudes and public opinion.

    Academic text (2013)

  • The concept of intersectionality refers to the interrelationships between race, ethnicity, and other identities (Yuval-Davis, 2006).

    Academic text (2009)

  • The concept of intersectionality helps us understand how different forms of discrimination, like those based on race and gender, overlap and impact individuals' experiences.

Surface Forms

intersectionality singular
intersectionalities plural

Morphology

intersectionality = intersectional (semi-transparent) = inter + section + al + ity

Formed regularly from 'intersectional' + '-ity', but the adjective 'intersectional' already carries a specialized social‑science sense, so the noun's meaning is somewhat specialized.

Etymology

Intersectionality comes from intersection ('where roads cross') and the ending -ality ('a state or idea'), and it helps us picture social identities like race, gender, and class meeting and crossing like roads so that people can face different kinds of unfair treatment or advantage.