Identity works multiplicatively so no single dimension can be subtracted

Evidence

As previously stated, Mari Matsuda coined the term “multiple consciousness” to describe the intersectional identities of women of color. In earlier scholarship, I have chosen to use the word “multiplicative” to configure identity (Wing, 1990-91). As a simplistic example, I am black x female. If you multiply my identities together, you have one indivisible being. You cannot subtract out any part of my identity, and ask me to pretend I am only a woman today or only a black. — David Theo Goldberg, John Solomos, A Companion to Racial and Ethnic Studies, 1165

Categorization

• DEFINE: Concrete explanation of multiplicative vs additive identity via the black x female example.
• XREF: Connects to Kimberlé Crenshaw’s intersectionality framework and to additive vs multiplicative identity debates in critical theory. — connects to: Identities co-create each other so no category has analytic priority — Cyra Akila Choudhury, Racecraft and Identity in the Emergence…, 83; Identity analyses should combine multiple dimensions rather than foreground one — Mary Bucholtz and Kira Hall, Identity and Interaction: A…, 113; No single method can capture all of identity’s complexity — Mary Bucholtz and Kira Hall, Identity and Interaction: A…, 118