Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHistoryExamplesWhy Intersectionality Is ImportantCaring for Yourself

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Table of Contents

History

Examples

Why Intersectionality Is Important

Caring for Yourself

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Intersectionality acknowledges that each individual has multiple identities and is subject to various forms of intersecting oppression.

This article will review the term’s history, examples of intersectionality, why it is important, and how you can use this knowledge to create change.

History of the Concept of Intersectionality

The Term Intersectionality Was Coined in 1989

Crenshaw first introduced the term in 1989 in her seminal article for the University of Chicago Legal Forum titled, “Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory, and Antiracist Politics.”

The Term Was Used to Explain the Varying Layers of OppressionShe later expanded on the term in her 1991 article, “Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence Against Women of Color.”In this latter article, Crenshaw illustrated a Black woman’s experiences navigatinginterpersonal violence.This article spoke to examples of Black rape survivors being silenced, differences in how Black men are treated in the court of law, and how domestic violence survivors are subjugated to layered experiences of oppression based on their race, gender identity, andsocioeconomic status.

The Term Was Used to Explain the Varying Layers of Oppression

She later expanded on the term in her 1991 article, “Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence Against Women of Color.”In this latter article, Crenshaw illustrated a Black woman’s experiences navigatinginterpersonal violence.This article spoke to examples of Black rape survivors being silenced, differences in how Black men are treated in the court of law, and how domestic violence survivors are subjugated to layered experiences of oppression based on their race, gender identity, andsocioeconomic status.

She later expanded on the term in her 1991 article, “Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence Against Women of Color.”In this latter article, Crenshaw illustrated a Black woman’s experiences navigatinginterpersonal violence.

This article spoke to examples of Black rape survivors being silenced, differences in how Black men are treated in the court of law, and how domestic violence survivors are subjugated to layered experiences of oppression based on their race, gender identity, andsocioeconomic status.

Thus, Crenshaw integrated the term intersectionality into scholarly discourse in the following years to illustrate how Black women can be excluded from interrogations of gender or racial oppression due to the complex layers of oppression Black women experience.

Though the term was conceptualized in 1989, it didn’t become mainstream until much later. Then, in 2015 it was added as a sociological term to the Oxford English Dictionary.

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Examples of Intersectionality

While we have the underpinnings of the theory under our belts after a brief primer of its origin story, that isn’t enough to understand how intersectionality applies in practice.

So here are some examples:

Deadnaming—What It Is and Why It’s Harmful to Mental Health

Racism,sexism,ageism, and differences in economic status have led to significant divides in our country. Finding language to better understand the systems of oppression existing in our country can support us in building a better future.

Understanding Intersectionality Can Help You Minimize the Oppression That Others Face

To help close the oppression gap, you must take stock of your interpersonal relationships. Your experiences will differ from others, and if you are someone who happens to have moreprivilegethan your counterparts, explore what you can do to minimize the amount of oppression they face. For example, if you’re in charge of a hiring process, explore what you can do to cultivate a diverse candidate pool.

For another example, if you’re in a relationship with someone with anidentitythat is subject to more oppression than you are, be mindful of how experiences with family and friends might impact them.

When you advocate for anyone, please don’t do that to receive praise or attention from others. That can feel disingenuous andperformative.

What Is a Therapy Desert?

How to Care for Yourself

If you belong to a marginalized group, you’ve likely experienced discrimination. The mental health impact of painful experiences can be debilitating so it’s important to find support and safe spaces.

Consider Seeing a Therapist

Consider reaching out to a therapist for support. If finances are an issue,Open Path Collectiveis an organization with a diverse range of therapists offering sessions for as low as $40.

Hoping to find a therapist with an identity similar to yours? Therapy for Black Girls,Inclusive Therapists, and the National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network are great directories to look at in your search.

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6 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Crenshaw K.Demarginalizing the intersection of race and sex: a black feminist critique of antidiscrimination doctrine, feminist theory and antiracist politics.Univ. Chic. Leg. Forum. 2015;1989(1).

Crenshaw K.Mapping the margins: intersectionality, identity politics, and violence against women of color.SLR. 1991;43(6):1241. doi: 10.2307/1229039

Merriam-Webster.Word We’re Watching: Intersectionality.

American Progress.LGBTQ People of Color Experience Heightened Discrimination.

Bowleg L.“The master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house”: ten critical lessons for black and other health equity researchers of color.Health Educ Behav. 2021;48(3):237-249. doi: 10.1177/10901981211007402

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