interlocking oppression

Interlocking oppression, also known as intersectionality, is a social science concept that describes how various forms of discrimination and prejudice overlap and interact. Coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, it highlights that individuals can experience compounded disadvantage based on multiple aspects of their identity, such as race, gender, social class, and sexuality.12

This framework recognizes that these categories are not isolated but intertwine to create unique experiences of privilege or oppression. For example, discrimination against Black women is not simply racism plus sexism; it's a distinct, compounded experience. This concept challenges the idea that one form of oppression is primary, instead emphasizing the cumulative impact of interlocking systems of discrimination. It is applied in social work, education, healthcare, and diversity initiatives to better understand and address the needs of marginalized populations.123