Intersectionality

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Intersectionality
/ˌɪntə(ː)ˈsɛkʃənælɪti/ (n.)

The interconnectedness of categorisations within a population as they apply to a given individual or group, particularly insofar as they overlap or intersect to create interdependent systems of discrimination or privilege.

The term “intersectionality” was coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw and is an important analytical framework within critical theory for understanding how aspects of a person’s social and political identities combine to create different modes of discrimination or privilege in that person’s community.

Now far be it from the JC to wade into these roiling waters: he’s seen his 23andme profile, and it’s irredeemable — but, being a contrarian, he did want to play around with spreadsheets a little bit and think about Venn diagrams.

This being an intellectual inquiry rather than a political one, let’s visit our favourite local population of squirrels. In the north London squirrel community (for the sake of this argument) squirrels can me mapped to four binary, but overlapping classifications: fur colour (red or grey); nut preference (acorns or chestnuts); tail fluffiness (bouffant or ratty) and community position (senior or junior).