Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

Intersectionality describes the ways in which systems of inequality based on gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, class and other forms of discrimination “intersect” to create unique dynamics and effects.

People who live with multiple intersecting social identities tend to experience multiple systems of oppression, so their perspective and experience tends to be different from people with fewer subordinated intersecting identities.

For example, black women face disadvantage based on both race and gender. Similarly, working-class gay men might face discrimination due to both their social class and sexual identity.

From: Center for Intersectional Justice. (2022). What is intersectionality? https://www.intersectionaljustice.org/what-is-intersectionality

Related Terms: Intersectional Feminism, privilege, oppression, implicit bias