intersectionality

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'intersectionality' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the idea that different aspects of a person's identity can overlap and intersect, making the person's experience unique. For example, "Intersectionality helps us better understand the unique experiences of people with multiple marginalized identities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Kamil even took on that most divisive concept in current popular feminist chatter, intersectionality, explaining it with a catchy jingle.

The Guardian

Similarly many people know how intersectionality affects them and others around them, even if they don't consider themselves to be intersectional or even know what it means.

Independent

In recent weeks "intersectionality" - short-hand for people being aware of difference and trying not to exclude others because of their race, gender, sexuality etc - has become a major talking point between feminists.

Independent

Intersectionality may be an academic term that has spilled into common usage among some feminists, but that doesn't mean that the concept it refers to isn't very real and worthy of discussion.

Independent

He's far too talented, complex and self-aware to let himself be just anyone's token or intersectionality posterboy, though.

Independent

I can walk and chew gum too, y'know... patricia's comments show the danger in not being hip to this whole intersectionality thing.

Independent

It's a statement that will offer hope to feminism's fourth-wavers (long before intersectionality became a feminist buzzword, the ever-progressive Steinem was preaching its principles), even if she skates a little too lightly over the challenges presented by the digital age.

Independent

Admittedly, we can't really blame him for not understanding the complexities of intersectionality; some of my brightest undergraduates find it challenging, and that's hardly a fair comparison.

Independent

Women like Kimberlé Crenshaw, who coined the theory of intersectionality; Catherine MacKinnon, an American feminist lawyer; Emma Goldman, anarchist and political activist; Audre Lorde, black feminist writer; Ayn Rand, Russian novelist and philosopher; and Simone de Beauvoir, French writer  and social theorist.

Independent

Now we're told by the Vagenda editors Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett and Holly Baxter that talking about issues of race in terms of "intersectionality" is too academic and makes feminism inaccessible.

Independent

Thus a serious point about intersectionality was reduced to a catfight and Minaj was told in no uncertain terms to pipe down.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "intersectionality", be specific about the identities and systems of power involved. Avoid vague or generalized statements.

Common error

Avoid using "intersectionality" as a mere buzzword. Understand and accurately represent the complex interplay of intersecting identities and oppressions.

Linguistic Context

The term "intersectionality" functions as a noun, primarily referring to the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, creating overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage. Ludwig AI confirms the accurate usage of the term.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

67%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intersectionality" is a noun that refers to the interconnected nature of social categorizations creating overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media and Science contexts. When writing about this complex topic, it's crucial to be specific and avoid using it as a mere buzzword. Understanding its scope and accurately representing the interplay of identities is key. To express similar concepts, alternatives like "interconnectedness of social categorizations", "overlapping systems of oppression", and "complex matrix of identity" may be suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interconnectedness of social categorizations

Focuses on the mutual influence and inseparability of different social categories.

overlapping systems of oppression

Highlights the concurrent and mutually reinforcing nature of various forms of oppression.

complex matrix of identity

Emphasizes the multifaceted and intricate nature of individual identity formation.

multi-layered identities

Stresses the existence of multiple, coexisting identity layers within an individual.

converging forms of discrimination

Underscores how different types of discrimination can combine and amplify their impact.

interwoven social inequalities

Points to the interconnected and mutually reinforcing nature of social inequalities.

holistic understanding of identity

Promotes a comprehensive view that accounts for various dimensions of identity.

relational identities

Emphasizes how identities are formed and understood in relation to others and social structures.

integrated perspective on social justice

Highlights the necessity of considering multiple factors for a fair and equitable society.

social identity intersection

Highlights a place where diverse social identities come together

FAQs

How is "intersectionality" used in academic writing?

In academic writing, "intersectionality" is used to analyze how various social and political identities combine to create unique modes of discrimination and privilege. It's often applied in fields like sociology, gender studies, and critical race theory.

What does "intersectionality" mean in everyday language?

In everyday language, "intersectionality" refers to the understanding that a person's different social identities (such as race, gender, class, and sexuality) can overlap and create unique experiences of discrimination or privilege.

What are some common misunderstandings about "intersectionality"?

A common misunderstanding is that "intersectionality" is simply about adding up different forms of oppression. It's actually about understanding how these oppressions interact and create distinct experiences. Another misunderstanding is to consider intersectionality as only related to the field of feminism.

What are some alternatives to "intersectionality"?

While there isn't a direct substitute for "intersectionality" because it describes a specific framework, you can use phrases like "interconnectedness of social categorizations", "overlapping systems of oppression", or "complex matrix of identity" to convey similar ideas in certain contexts.