intersectionality
noun
in·ter·sec·tion·al·i·ty
ˌin-tər-ˌsek-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 
: the complex, cumulative way in which the effects of multiple forms of discrimination (such as racism, sexism, and classism) combine, overlap, or intersect especially in the experiences of marginalized individuals or groups
[Kimberlé] Crenshaw introduced the theory of intersectionality, the idea that when it comes to thinking about how inequalities persist, categories like gender, race, and class are best understood as overlapping and mutually constitutive rather than isolated and distinct.—
Adia Harvey Wingfield
Adia Harvey WingfieldExamples of intersectionality in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
How did intersectionality become so central to your reporting for this book?
—Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025
In a statement shared with the news, GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis applauded Erivo’s work in pushing forward narratives around intersectionality in the entertainment industry.
—Stephen Daw, Billboard, 12 Feb. 2025
The coining of the term ‘intersectionality’ by Dr Kimberle Crenshaw in 1989 came specifically from her analysis of how Black women in legal contexts are penalised by gender discrimination and race discrimination being seen as separate.
—Jessy Parker Humphreys, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
In terms of intersectionality, only one film was led or co-led by a woman of color (King), while five films featured an underrepresented man in a lead or co-lead role.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intersectionality
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Alyssa Goldberg, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025
In a statement shared with the news, GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis applauded Erivo’s work in pushing forward narratives around intersectionality in the entertainment industry.
—Stephen Daw, Billboard, 12 Feb. 2025
The coining of the term ‘intersectionality’ by Dr Kimberle Crenshaw in 1989 came specifically from her analysis of how Black women in legal contexts are penalised by gender discrimination and race discrimination being seen as separate.
—Jessy Parker Humphreys, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
In terms of intersectionality, only one film was led or co-led by a woman of color (King), while five films featured an underrepresented man in a lead or co-lead role.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for intersectionality
Cite this Entry
“Intersectionality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intersectionality. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.
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