Intersectionality is a concept that emphasizes the interconnectedness of various social categories, such as race, gender, disability, and socioeconomic status, and how these categories can intersect to create unique and complex experiences of oppression. This field of study highlights that simply addressing discrimination based on a single category, such as race or gender alone, is inadequate. It fails to recognize the specific challenges faced by individuals who experience multiple forms of oppression simultaneously.

Research helps illustrate the importance of understanding how different identities can combine to create more pronounced forms of marginalization. For instance, a Black woman with a disability may encounter discrimination not only based on her race or her disability but also due to the intersection of these identities, leading to a compounded experience of oppression.

The development of intersectionality is deeply rooted in the scholarship and activism of Black women who recognized that their lived experiences were not solely defined by their race or gender but by the intricate interplay of both..

Disability studies, similar to intersectionality, aims to examine how societal attitudes and structures contribute to creating barriers for people with disabilities. Both fields recognize that disability is not merely a medical condition or an individual deficit, but a social construct that is shaped by the ways in which society responds to human difference. A person with an impairment, for example, may only be considered “disabled” when they face inaccessible environments or discriminatory attitudes.

Many studies emphasize that disability, much like other identities, is socially constructed and can be prone to misrepresentation. This highlights the importance of moving away from a simplistic “additive” approach to understanding intersecting identities and embracing a more nuanced perspective that considers the dynamic interplay of various social categories.

Research that explores the combined effects of gender and disability provides a clear example of the importance of an intersectional lens. Women with disabilities frequently encounter greater barriers and disadvantages in various aspects of life, including employment, compared to their male counterparts. These challenges become even more pronounced for women of color with disabilities, who navigate the intersections of racism, sexism, and ableism, facing a compounded experience of marginalization.

There are specific examples of the intersection between gender and disability in different sectors, such as education, gender-based violence, health, and work. This highlights the need for more inclusive approaches to address these interconnected challenges, such as ensuring universal reasonable accommodation and accessibility across services and activities.

By incorporating an intersectional perspective, disability studies can more effectively address the multifaceted and overlapping experiences of oppression faced by people with disabilities. Recognizing the interplay of disability with other social categories, such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status, is crucial for creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.