Intersectionality is a framework for understanding how social identities—such as gender, race, ethnicity, social class, religion, sexual orientation, ability, and gender identity—overlap with one another and with systems of power that oppress and advantage people in the workplace and broader community. By coining the term “intersectionality” in 1989, Kimberlé Crenshaw named and brought visibility to the long-standing interlocking inequities that many women of color, in particular, had been fighting for centuries.
People’s interlocking identities illustrate the diversity that exists within any broad social group (e.g., women, immigrants, trans people, etc.), and where there are similarities and differences in experiences within these groups due to layers of oppression and privilege. For example, when compared to straight, cisgender White men:
- White women have different experiences and privileges due to sexism;
- Black men experience discrimination due to racism;
- Black women will be impacted by both racism and sexism;
- A gay paraplegic faces biases based on sexual orientation and perceived ability.
Intersectionality makes plain that advancing women—or any broad group—at work means addressing the other social inequities that they face based on their multiple social identities. Considering individuals from an intersectional perspective is a critical component in creating diverse and inclusive workplaces across the globe.
Catalyst Resources on Intersectionality
Reports
- Intersectionality: When Identities Converge
- Empowering Workplaces Combat Emotional Tax for People of Colour in Canada (see also: French translation)
- Day-to-Day Experiences of Emotional Tax Among Women and Men of Color in the Workplace
- Emotional Tax: How Black Women and Men Pay More at Work and How Leaders Can Take Action
Practices
- Chevron Australia—PRIDE: LGBT Inclusion, Intersectionality, and Collaborative Partnerships Supporter Exclusive
“Many employees identify with more than one diversity group (for example, Latino and bisexual, or Black and disabled), and have unique experiences and perspectives. Collaborations across employee networks further Chevron’s values of people and partnership by building cultural competency through sharing knowledge and raising awareness across diversity groups. This, in turn, fosters a more inclusive work environment where employees can bring their whole selves to work.” - PepsiCo, Inc.—Women of Color Multicultural Alliance Supporter Exclusive
“The Alliance’s impact has been far-reaching and demonstrates that improving diversity and inclusion through alliances benefits the entire corporation. It has created a culture of authenticity and honesty that permeates relationships among women of color and peers and managers, calls attention to the unique experiences and needs of working women of color, and showcases workplace dynamics and solutions related to the intersection of gender and race.”
Quick Takes
Webinars
- Canada’s Women’s History Month: Celebrating Intersectionality Supporter Exclusive
- Intersectionality: Cultivating Workplaces That Work for All Women Supporter Exclusive
- Day-to-Day Experiences of Emotional Tax Among Women and Men of Color in the Workplace Supporter Exclusive
Blog Posts
- Why Intersectionality Matters Even More in 2020
- Sexual Harassment and Women of Color
- Five Tips for Future-Proofing Your Workplace
- Men of Color at Work: If These Stories Surprise You, You Haven’t Been Listening
Other Intersectionality Resources
- Video: #RaceAnd video series | Race Forward (various times)
- Article: Intersectionality – A Definition, History, and Guide | Sister Outrider (5 min read)
- Policy Brief: Intersectionality: Why EU Policy Makers Should Adopt an Intersectional Approach | European Network Against Racism (5 min read)
- Video: The Urgency of Intersectionality | Kimberlé Crenshaw (18:49)
- Podcast: For LGBTQ People of Color, Discrimination Compounds | National Public Radio (3:54)
- Journal Article: Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics. | Kimberlé Crenshaw
- Journal Article: Intersectionality at Work: South Asian Muslim Women’s Experiences of Employment and Leadership in the United Kingdom | Memoona Tariq & Jawad Syed
- What’s Intersectionality? Let These Scholars Explain the Theory and Its History | Time
- Intersectional Feminism: What It Means and Why It Matters Right Now | UN Women
- The Facts about Intersectional Feminism in Canada | Canadian Women’s Foundation
- The Effect of Intersectionality in the Workplace | New York Times
- Video: Intersectionality 101 | Learning for Justice (3:03)
- Video: On Intersectionality in Feminism and Pizza | Akilah Obviously (4:05)
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