A Simpler Explanation of Intersectionality
Intersectionality is about understanding how different parts of who we are, like our race, gender, economic status, and whether or not we have a disability, all work together to shape our experiences. It’s not just about adding up these different parts; it’s about how they intersect to create unique challenges and advantages.
Imagine a venn diagram, with each circle representing a different part of your identity. Where the circles overlap, that’s where intersectionality comes in. For example, a Black woman experiences the world differently than a white woman or a Black man because of the specific ways that her race and gender intersect.
This journal article provides valuable information on how intersectionality applies to disability in a global context. Understanding this concept can help the accommodation process in college and help institutions create more inclusive environments where all students can thrive.
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We all have multiple identities: We’re not just one thing; we’re a mix of different characteristics and experiences.
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These identities can overlap and create unique challenges: Someone who’s Black and disabled might face discrimination based on both their race and disability, leading to a more complex experience of disadvantage.
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“One-size-fits-all” approaches don’t work: Solutions need to be tailored to the specific needs of people with intersecting identities. A program designed to help women might not be effective for women of color or women with disabilities if it doesn’t consider the ways those identities intersect.
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Identities are socially constructed: What it means to be “disabled” or “female” is shaped by society, not just by biology. These meanings can change over time and place.
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Sometimes we focus on one identity more than others: This could be a strategic choice to access resources or navigate a particular situation. For example, a disabled person might emphasize their disability when requesting accommodations at work.
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The “disability lens”: Some research talks about how people with disabilities can often be seen primarily through their disability, which can overshadow their other identities. This can limit their opportunities and lead to assumptions about their capabilities and desires.
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The experiences of Black students with disabilities: Research also highlights how these students face a unique set of challenges due to the intersection of their race and disability. They might experience racism within disability services or be disproportionately impacted by disciplinary policies.
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It helps us understand the complexity of people’s lives: We can’t solve problems effectively if we don’t acknowledge the different ways that people experience the world.
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It promotes equity and inclusion: By recognizing the unique challenges faced by people with intersecting identities, we can create more just and equitable systems.
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It challenges us to think critically about power and privilege: Who benefits from the way things are, and who is disadvantaged?