This module introduces the concept of intersectionality and explains how different axes of discrimination and power can overlap and reinforce one another. It explores the historical roots of the concept and its evolution to the present day.
Participants will learn about the different levels of discrimination—individual, institutional, and structural—and, through everyday examples, understand how intersectionality helps analyze inequalities in a more comprehensive way.
50 minutes
Intersectionality • Sex • Gender • Class • Race
By the end of the module, participants will be able to:
Estimated duration: 20 minutes
Estimated duration: 10 minutes
Estimated duration: 20 minutes
Gender
“The socially constructed roles, behaviors, activities, and characteristics that a given society categorizes as ‘masculine’ and ‘feminine’; not defined by one’s biological sex.”
(Definition from the publication “ABC’s of Social Justice”)
Sexual Orientation
“Sexual orientation describes which gender or genders a person finds attractive. For many people, this refers to both sexual attraction and romantic feelings. For some individuals, these may differ, meaning their sexual orientation is distinct from their romantic orientation.”
(Definition from “Dieses Genderdings. Grundlagen zu Geschlecht, Familie, Sexualität und Liebe. Eine pädagogische Handreichung”, translated from German)
Race
“A term used to identify and define individuals as part of a distinct group based on physical characteristics and certain cultural and historical commonalities. Although historically linked to biological distinctions, race is now understood as a social construct without scientific basis, even though it is still often associated with perceived biological differences.”
(Definition from the publication “ABC’s of Social Justice”)
Classism
“Any attitude or institutional practice that subordinates people of a certain socioeconomic class based on income, occupation, education, or economic status. It is a system that maintains inequality and limits social and economic mobility.”
(Definition from the publication “ABC’s of Social Justice”)
