Intersectionality: Where Identities Collide

Intersectionality recognizes how interdependent identities can be linked to multiple sources of oppression. This chapter will explore how health disparities are exacerbated by the broken health infrastructure using the concept of intersectionality as its foundation. Socioeconomic factors including frameworks of past and current discriminatory housing practices, ableism, ageism, and the Black maternal health crisis will be incorporated to highlight the impact of systemic oppression in the context of the community and built environment. Though the four cases presented have different scenarios, they each demonstrate how health disparities and discrimination require solutions in patient-centered care as well as advancements in systems, policy, and law to create more equitable outcomes.