Intersectionality Theory

Definition

Intersectionality theory is a framework that recognizes how various forms of social oppression, such as race, gender, sexuality, and class, intersect and overlap to shape an individual's unique experiences and identities. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of different oppressions and aims to understand how they interact to create complex systems of privilege and disadvantage.

Related terms

Privilege: Privilege refers to unearned advantages or benefits that individuals possess based on their social group membership. It can include things like racial privilege or socioeconomic privilege.

Oppression: Oppression refers to the systematic mistreatment or discrimination against certain groups based on their social identities. This can manifest in various forms such as sexism, racism, homophobia, etc.

Social Identity: Social identity refers to the way individuals perceive themselves within the context of social groups. It encompasses aspects such as race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, etc., which contribute to one's sense of self and how they are perceived by others.