The Intersectionality Dictionary
Language shapes how we understand the world.
It defines what we see, what we question, and what we consider possible.
The Intersectionality Dictionary was created as a living, evolving resource to unpack the words that shape conversations around power, identity, and social justice.
Why a Dictionary?
Terms like intersectionality, privilege, decolonization, structural violence, ableism and many others are widely used but often inconsistently understood or reflected. Sometimes they are simplified. Sometimes misused. Sometimes stripped of their political and historical roots.
We asked ourselves:
Where do these concepts come from?
How have they evolved over time?
Who formed them and in which context?
How are they applied today?
The Intersectionality Dictionary exists to provide depth, clarity, and context.
More Than Definitions
This is not a traditional dictionary offering short and neutral explanations. Each entry:
- Traces the historical and political origins of a term
- Explores its theoretical foundations
- Examines how it is used and misused in public discourse
- Connects it to broader systems of power
We approach language critically. Words are not neutral containers; they carry histories, struggles, and power relations.
A Living Resource
The Dictionary is constantly growing. As debates shift and new concepts emerge, we expand and revise our entries. Critical reflection is part of the process.
We also recognize that knowledge production is never finished. The Dictionary remains open to feedback, dialogue, and challenge.
Accessible, Without Oversimplifying
Our goal is to make complex ideas understandable without flattening their meaning. We translate academic concepts into accessible language while preserving their nuance and political significance.
Whether you are a student, educator, activist, researcher, or simply curious, the Intersectionality Dictionary offers tools to deepen understanding and strengthen critical engagement.
Words as Tools for Change
When we understand the language of power, we are better equipped to recognize and to transform it.
The Intersectionality Dictionary is an invitation:
- To question familiar terms.
- To uncover hidden assumptions.
- To engage more consciously in conversations that shape our societies.
Because words matter. And how we use them matters even more.
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Trigger/Content Warning
Before starting to engage in our IntersectionalityLab, we would like to introduce you to our system of trigger and content warnings. As we address many intersectional topics, we want to give our readers the choice to decide when and how to engage in potentially traumatic or triggering material. While most of the content intends to be thought-provoking, some may also be emotionally difficult for some of the audience.
To support an environment of brave, empathetic, and thoughtful engagement, we flagged every piece of content in the first paragraph to give you an idea about what will be addressed later on. We did our best to identify potential themes and provide appropriate warnings.
Here is an example of what you see on the first paragraph:
“(…) The following text portrays the processes of systemic exploitation, and the targeting of vulnerable populations. Additionally it contains some examples of marginalization, and restricted personal agency including references to sexual, emotional, and physical violence, abuse, human trade, and forced medical procedures that are not detailed.”
However, we are not able to acknowledge all of them, and we would be happy to support efforts to keep the harm as small as possible. Since the Intersectionality Lab is aiming towards a safer and inclusive space, please feel free to reach out to us directly via …, if you have concerns about untagged material or portrayed content.