Intersectionality and disability
Crenshaw originally used the concept of intersectionality to denote the various ways in which race and gender interact to shape the multiple dimensions of Black women’s experiences. Her objective was to illustrate that many of the experiences Black women face are not subsumed within the traditional boundaries of race or gender discrimination (1990).
More recently the term has been adopted by academia to frame identity as a layered concept. There are many ways of being and of being discriminated against. Identity is multifaceted and intersectional and how we position ourselves is affected by this intersectionality. It is not a way of describing people but can be used as a lens through which to understand how social structures create vulnerabilities in people that can result in inequality and discrimination (Nayak, 2025). We identify and are identified via class, race, gender, sexuality, age, (dis)abled. According to Lukkien et al, disability and class are invisible identities and in the 38 papers included in their review only one paper focussed on class, while disability and age were the categories least observed (2023)
Identity is a social construct, and individuals are seldom in control of how their identities are perceived. Power dynamics are always at play and cultural and political systems mean social identities are placed in a hierarchy, not least in HE settings. (Lukkien, 2023)
So how can the concept of intersectionality help improve the practice of teaching and learning in a HE environment? As a Specialist Tutor working with neurodiverse students, I became involved in a workshop within ADSHE/PASSHE, our professional body. The aim was to recommend what intersectionality might look like in practice, how it could be used by Specialist Tutors when working with students whose ’disability’ is the identity at the forefront of the teaching and learning experience but only one aspect of their lived experience. Since Intersectionality is a Black Feminist theory, recognising and owning the impact of racial discrimination is paramount (Nayak 2025)
Nyak (2025) writing from a social work perspective and Phoenix (2018) educational policy, see intersectionality as a framework of practice rather than a concept for discussion. A praxis not a strategy. Inclusive practice needs to be more than a statement of intent. Allyship and challenging discriminatory practice is a position available to everyone working in HE and is a collective responsibility (Lukkien et al, 2023). Ways of working that assist this process are many and verified and I list but a few.
Admit that you can’t imagine someone else’s experience as we all have different experiences based on the aspects of ourselves that intersect and are visible at a personal and societal level. However, we will listen, learn and offer solidarity (Nayak, 2025). Question existing models, theories and approaches to pedagogy which inform existing policies and practices. Interrogate the context that indicates power dynamics in given situations, including where we position ourselves, ‘Privilege checking’ Mcintosh (1988) as cited in Phoenix, (2018). Understand the impact of multiple oppressions and historical bias against anyone who inhabits the spaces outside societal norms. Spaces that can be rich, educational and enlightening when seen as distinct from, not deficient to ‘the norm’.
Crenshaw, K. (1990) Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Color https://moodle.arts.ac.uk/pluginfile.php/2020062/mod_folder/content/0/Crenshaw%201990%20Intersectionality.pdf?forcedownload=1
Lukkien, T. Chauhan, T. Otaye-Ebede, L. (2023) Addressing the diversity principle–practice gap in Western higher education institutions: A systematic review on intersectionality https://moodle.arts.ac.uk/pluginfile.php/2020062/mod_folder/content/0/Lukkien%2C%20Chauhan%20and%20Otaye-Ebede%202024.pdf?forcedownload=1
Nyak, S. (2025) Why Intersectionality is vital to anti-discriminatory practice https://www.researchinpractice.org.uk//all/news-views/2021-september/why-intersectionality-is-vital-to-anti-discriminatory-practice/
Phoenix, A. (2018) What is intersectionality? https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/blog/what-is-intersectionality/