Intersectionality

An intersectional approach to diversity seeks to identify and understand the connections between numerous dimensions of social difference. Intersectionality relates to how two or more dimensions of diversity, such as gender and race, may result in multiple and intersecting layers of discrimination or disadvantage. Intersectionality’ means taking into consideration all the factors that structure identities and experiences of oppression (gender, race and ethnicity, religion, class and social status, sexuality, physical abilities, age, etc.).

Women, and in particular ethnic minority women, are frequently affected by multiple layers of discrimination in society and the workplace. While diversity and equality policies in many countries and organizations focus on gender, more often than not beneficiaries of such initiatives are White women. Little to no attention paid to the unique issues and challenges facing other women, who continue to experience higher than average unemployment rates and slower than average career growth.

Many of the feelings of workplace powerlessness experienced by women stem from an array of different experiences. Women are more likely to be reported as Black if they received welfare, having been incarcerated makes men more likely to be perceived as Black, while suburban residence leads interviewers to identify people as White. Our experiences and our place/geography affect how we think, discuss and even see things when it comes to race, class and gender. For women these experiences include, in addition to under-representation, less pay and subtle forms of discrimination.