intersectional feminism
C1-C2Formal/Academic/Political
Definition
Meaning
An analytical framework for understanding how a person's overlapping identities—such as race, gender, class, sexuality, and ability—combine to create unique modes of discrimination and privilege.
A movement and branch of feminist theory and praxis that argues classic liberal feminism often reflects the experiences of only white, middle-class, able-bodied, heterosexual women, and that the experiences of women facing multiple, intersecting forms of oppression must be central.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Functions primarily as a compound noun. It refers to both a theoretical lens and a political/social movement. Often used attributively (e.g., 'an intersectional feminist analysis').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or lexical differences. The concept is equally prevalent in academic and activist circles in both regions.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term is strongly associated with progressive, critical social theory and activism. It may carry political charge in public discourse.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in US academic and media discourse, but well-established in UK equivalents.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N of N (the intersectionality of feminism)Adj + N (an intersectional feminist critique)N + that-clause (intersectional feminism argues that...)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To take an intersectional approach”
- “To apply an intersectional lens”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) training materials or corporate social responsibility reports.
Academic
Very common in gender studies, sociology, critical race theory, and cultural studies.
Everyday
Increasingly common in informed political/social discussions, media commentary, and social media activism.
Technical
Core term in feminist theory and critical social science research methodologies.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The study seeks to intersectionalise traditional feminist historiography.
- We must intersectionally analyse the policy's impact.
American English
- The theory intersectionalizes critiques of power structures.
- She writes intersectionally about media representation.
adverb
British English
- The issue was viewed intersectionally, considering caste and gender.
- She argues intersectionally for a more comprehensive model.
American English
- We need to think intersectionally about healthcare access.
- The panel was designed to speak intersectionally to multiple communities.
adjective
British English
- Her intersectional feminist research won acclaim.
- An intersectional perspective is crucial for the charity's work.
American English
- The organization takes an intersectional feminist stance.
- He conducted an intersectional analysis of the data.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- People talk about intersectional feminism. It is about women and other things like race.
- Intersectional feminism is important because a poor woman and a rich woman have different problems.
- A key principle of intersectional feminism is that systems of oppression, such as racism and sexism, are interconnected.
- Her groundbreaking work applies an intersectional feminist lens to examine how migration policies disproportionately affect women of colour from low-income backgrounds.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
INTERSECTIONAL FEMINISM: Imagine a road INTERSECTION where discrimination based on GENDER meets discrimination based on RACE, CLASS, etc. Feminism that studies this crossroads.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL IDENTITIES ARE INTERSECTING AXES/ROADS; OPPRESSION IS A MATRIX/WEB.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'intersectional' literally as 'перекрестный', which refers to physical crossing. Use established translations like 'интерсекциональный' or descriptive phrases like 'учитывающий пересечение факторов дискриминации'.
- Do not confuse with 'межсекторальный' (intersectoral), which is used in different contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a synonym for 'diversity' or 'inclusivity' without the specific focus on overlapping systems of power. (Broadening error)
- Using it to refer only to race and gender, ignoring other axes like disability, citizenship status, etc. (Narrowing error)
- Treating it solely as an adjective for a person ('She is intersectional') rather than for an analysis or approach.
Practice
Quiz
What is a central critique offered by intersectional feminism?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The term was coined by American critical legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989, though the concept has earlier roots in Black feminist thought (e.g., the Combahee River Collective).
No. It's not a simple additive model ('race + gender + class'). It's an analysis of how these systems of power *interact* to create unique, compounded experiences of privilege and disadvantage.
Yes. While the focus is on the experiences of those facing intersecting oppressions, anyone can adopt an intersectional feminist framework to analyse power structures and advocate for justice.
'Intersectionality' is the broader analytical framework applicable to many social justice issues. 'Intersectional feminism' is the specific application of that framework to feminist theory and activism.