What does the term "intersectionality" mean?

The term "intersectionality" refers to the interaction of different social identities and how these identities intersect to impact individuals' experiences with oppression and privilege. This concept recognizes that people do not experience social categorizations, such as race, class, gender, and other identities, in isolation; instead, these identities overlap and can create complex social dynamics. For example, a person who is both a woman and a person of color may experience discrimination differently than either identity alone would suggest. Therefore, understanding intersectionality is essential for addressing health disparities because it allows for a deeper analysis of how varying identities can compound experience of inequality and shape health outcomes. This framework promotes a holistic view of the individual and the multifaceted nature of their lived experiences, which is crucial for creating effective strategies to address health inequities.