Intersectionality in Practice

By VeriScorePrep Team · 4 min

Intersectionality, coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, describes how multiple identities (race, gender, class, sexuality, ability, immigration status) interact to shape experience and access — in ways a single-axis analysis misses.

Why it matters

A Black woman's experience of discrimination is not simply "Black + woman"; racism and sexism interact with distinct forms. A single-axis analysis misses the unique discrimination and protective capacity that arise from the intersection.

In practice

• Assessment: ask about multiple identities, not assume; let the client describe which are most salient in their life and which contribute to risk and resilience.
• Avoid reduction: a person is not reducible to any one of their identities; identities interact and change across contexts.
• Map access and barriers: which identities does this client hold that bear on resources, language, safety, and trust in services?
• Adjust the service: meet language needs, consider safety with police or institutions, recognize family and community structures.

Pitfalls

• Assuming identities mean the same thing across contexts; intersectionality is contextual.
• Tokenizing — asking one client to represent their entire group.
• Treating intersectionality as additive (Black + woman = 2x the impact); the interaction is the very point, not the sum.

Used well, it reveals risks and strengths a flat analysis would miss, and supports more accurate, more just practice.