Intersectional Theories

Feminist and critical race theories have conceptualized the term intersectionality as an analysis of the systems of oppression and social constructions of race, class, and gender. Recently, researchers in psychology have challenged the field to incorporate intersectionality theory and the study of multiple categories of social group membership into their research. However, the majority of research in psychology continues to try to separate the experiences of sexism from other forms of oppression.

This entry provides a brief history of intersectionality theory and intersectional analysis. In addition to research in psychology, it also highlights interdisciplinary research on intersectionality in fields such as sociology, women and gender studies, critical race studies, and legal studies, which have been conducting research on intersectionality for decades. Next, it highlights five approaches ...