What is the Origin of Intersectional Harassment?

The term originates from critical social theory, recognizing that discrimination is rarely based on a single factor but rather on the overlapping systems of disadvantage experienced by an individual.

What is the Mechanism of Intersectional Harassment?

The mechanism of harm manifests when the combination of characteristics—for example, age, gender identity, and a chronic hormonal condition—creates a unique environment of targeted hostility that a singular focus on one characteristic might fail to capture, leading to significant psychological stress and potential HPA axis dysregulation.

Intersectional Harassment ∞ Area

Intersectional Harassment

Meaning

Intersectional Harassment describes hostile conduct targeting an individual based on the convergence of multiple aspects of their identity, which can include how their gender identity interacts with their need for hormone replacement therapy or how visible symptoms of an endocrine condition are perceived in a professional setting. This addresses compound vulnerabilities.