Intersectionality

Intersectionality describes the interaction of different social power relations and forms of discrimination, such as gender, sexual orientation, origin, religion, disability, or social status. These factors do not act in isolation; they can reinforce one another and jointly shape a person’s lived experience.

The term makes clear that discrimination cannot be understood in only one dimension. For example, women who wear a headscarf may experience overlapping forms of racism, anti-Muslim prejudice, and sexism. An intersectional perspective helps make these overlaps visible and recognize disadvantage more accurately.