Problem:
Intersectionality helps explain how multiple aspects of identity overlap to shape how people experience inequality and power. As a woman who identifies as African American, I have personally experienced intersecting forms of bias while working in healthcare. In professional settings, I have been overlooked and undermined by both White men and women who seemed to assume that I could not possibly be qualified for the role I have achieved. These experiences occurred despite the education, knowledge, and hands-on experience I bring to my work. This reflects how race and gender do not operate separately, but instead intersect in ways that can limit credibility and opportunity for women of color (Kang et al., 2017a).
Intersectionality helps us better understand and support others by encouraging us to look beyond single identities. When we recognize that people navigate multiple systems at once, support becomes more intentional. In practice, this support can look like advocating for equitable workplace policies, acknowledging implicit bias, and creating environments where lived experiences are taken seriously rather than dismissed (Kang et al., 2017d).
Understanding discrimination through an intersectional lens also allows us to see how systems such as race, class, and gender reinforce one another. Discrimination is often layered, meaning individuals may face multiple barriers simultaneously, which can intensify inequality and limit access to advancement (Kang et al., 2017b; Kang et al., 2017c).
I would describe my own intersectionality as shaped by being a heterosexual African American woman raised in a Catholic household, working in healthcare, and identifying as upper middle class. These identities provide both privilege and vulnerability depending on the context. Intersectionality helps me make sense of my own experiences while also deepening my understanding of how others may experience the world differently. Need Assignment Help?