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Coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, this theory explores how race, class, gender, and other individual characteristics intersect with one another and overlap. It highlights that different forms of inequality and discrimination compound and influence one another.

The everyday verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slight, snub, or insult, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages to target persons based solely upon their marginalized group membership. Key figure: Derald Wing Sue.

Developed by Michael Omi and Howard Winant, this theory posits that racial identity is created, transformed, destroyed, and recreated through social, economic, and political processes. Race is seen as a central axis of social relations which cannot be subsumed under or reduced to some broader concept.

The concept that compensations should be made to the descendants of enslaved people in the Americas and in other former colonies as a way to address the legacy of slavery and discrimination. Key figures include Ta-Nehisi Coates and Randall Robinson.

The practice of placing low-income or minority communities in close proximity to environmentally hazardous or degraded environments, such as toxic waste, pollution, and urban decay. Key figures include Robert D. Bullard and Dr. Benjamin Chavis.

The adoption of elements of one culture by members of another culture, often without any real understanding or respect for the original culture and context. It can perpetuate stereotypes and contribute to the disenfranchisement of the originating culture. Notable discussion by bell hooks.

A strand of feminist thought which highlights the multiple disadvantages of gender, class, and race that shape the experiences of nonwhite women. Prominent figures include Audre Lorde and bell hooks, who argue for a more inclusive feminism that considers race, class, and gender intersectionality.

A policy favoring those who tend to suffer from discrimination, especially in relation to employment or education. The goal is to increase diversity and counter discrimination against members of disadvantaged groups. Key Supreme Court case: Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin.

The idea that societal resources are distributed on the basis of merit and that success is determined by individual effort and abilities, not social status or demographics. Critics argue that meritocracy overlooks structural barriers and inequalities that affect whether merit can actually translate into success. Key critics include Michael Young and Daniel Markovits.

A principle within Critical Race Theory put forth by Derrick Bell. It suggests that white individuals will support racial justice only to the extent that there are benefits for them. Bell argues that true progress for racial justice is constrained by the interests of white people.

The societal privileges that benefit white people over non-white people in some societies, particularly if they are otherwise under the same social, political, or economic circumstances. Key figure Peggy McIntosh describes it as an "invisible knapsack" of advantages.

Proposed by John Rawls, this concept is a method of determining the morality of a certain issue based upon the following thought experiment: one does not know their place in society, class position, or social status, nor does one know one’s fortune in the distribution of natural assets and abilities.

A postmodern method for analyzing inter-subjective discourses. This theory argues that marginalized groups are socially situated in ways that make it more possible for them to be aware of things and ask questions than it is for the non-marginalized. Notable contributor is Sandra Harding.

A term popularized by Michelle Alexander in her book of the same name, referring to the mass incarceration policies in the United States that have led to disproportionate numbers of African Americans being imprisoned. This system replicates many of the same racial caste conditions found in the Jim Crow laws.

A sociological paradigm that interprets society as a structure with interrelated parts designed to meet the biological and social needs of individuals who make up that society. Key figures include Émile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons.

An intellectual movement and a framework of legal analysis based on the premise that race is a socially constructed category that is used to oppress and exploit people of color, particularly in a legal context. Key figures include Derrick Bell and Kimberlé Crenshaw.

A concept in which racial classification does not affect an individual's opportunities. Critics argue it ignores systemic discrimination and promotes a false sense of equality. Notable critic is Eduardo Bonilla-Silva.

Refers to the increasing pattern of children being funneled out of public schools and into the juvenile and criminal justice systems. Factors include zero-tolerance policies and the increasing use of police in schools. The concept suggests that these policies disproportionately affect minority and disabled students.

The rapid expansion of the US inmate population due to the political influence of private prison companies and businesses that supply goods and services to government prison agencies. It is criticized for often having racial disparities in incarceration rates. Key figures include Angela Davis and Michelle Alexander.