Intersectionality (or
intersectional theory) is the study of overlapping or
intersecting social identities and related systems of
oppression,
domination or
discrimination. The theory suggests that—and seeks to examine how—various biological, social and cultural categories such as
gender,
race,
class,
ability,
sexual orientation,
religion,
caste,
age and other axes of
identity interact on multiple and often simultaneous levels. This framework can be used to understand how systemic
injustice and
social inequality occur on a multidimensional basis. Intersectionality holds that the classical conceptualizations of oppression within society—such as
racism,
sexism,
classism,
ableism,
biphobia,
homophobia,
transphobia, and belief-based
bigotry—do not act independently of each other. Instead, these forms of oppression interrelate, creating a system of oppression that reflects the "intersection" of multiple forms of discrimination.
