The concept of intersectionality is particularly associated with feminism, and was introduced in a paper in 1989 by the law professor and black feminist Kimberlé Crenshaw. It refers to the way in which discrimination can be experienced in overlapping identity markers. For example, many black women noticed that the experiences of (mainly white) feminists did not relate to their own lives, as they often faced discrimination based on their gender and their race. The concept has since been broadened from race and gender to include other identity markers, such as class, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and (dis)ability.
Intersectionality is now considered crucial to debates about equality and social mobility, as consideration is given to the ways in which certain identity markers can come together to bring about enhanced discrimination and oppression. For example, physical disability often leads to discrimination in employment, but if the disabled person is (say) also a female Muslim, then the discriminatory attitudes and practices may be amplified.
Your organisation does not have access to this article.
Sign up today to give your students the edge they need to achieve their best grades with subject expertise
Subscribe
