What is intersectionality and why is it important for HPFW program planning?

• A. The interconnected nature of social identities (race, gender, SES) shaping experiences and disparities
• B. The idea that all groups share identical health needs
• C. The importance of focusing only on a single determinant
• D. The belief that disparities cannot be addressed

Answer: (D)

Intersectionality is about how overlapping social identities—such as race, gender, class, sexuality, and disability—together shape people’s health experiences and the disparities they face. In HPFW program planning, this means recognizing that individuals aren’t defined by a single factor; their health needs, barriers, and resources come from multiple, interacting identities and the systems around them. Planning and evaluating programs with this lens leads to more effective outreach, accessible services, culturally relevant messaging, and genuine community involvement. It also means collecting data that reflect multiple identities and considering how policies and social norms create compounded risks so efforts can target where they’ll make the biggest difference. The idea that all groups have identical health needs doesn’t fit, nor does focusing on a single determinant, and the belief that disparities can’t be addressed clashes with the purpose of health promotion.