Disability and the problem of lazy intersectionality

Abstract

Crenshaw’s concept of intersectionality has been used to include different dimensions of difference and exclusion. We suggest here, however, that intersectional analyses may paradoxically further exclude discussions of the impact of disability in interaction with other factors. We outline three ways in which intersectionality may be incorrectly used. First, there is selective intersectionality where only certain forms of exclusion are considered. Second is subtractive intersectionality in which the experience of privilege may be seen as removing the lived reality of disability exclusion. Finally, we discuss last instance intersectionality in which one particular historical experience of oppression may be seen to cancel out other ongoing forms of exclusion. All these types of misuse of intersectionality may contribute to disability exclusion. Disability theorists should use concepts of intersectionality carefully and with caution.

Keywords:

• Intersectionality
• disability
• exclusion
• prejudice
• social theory
• South Africa

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.