By Dr Tanya Finnie
What Is Social Identity?
Social identity is how we understand ourselves in relation to the groups we belong to. These groups may include culture, race, gender, religion, nationality, or language.
Some aspects of social identity feel central to who we are, while others shift depending on context. For example, you may feel more aware of your nationality when living abroad or more conscious of your accent in certain workplaces.
Social identity influences values, behaviours, and belonging. It can connect us, but it can also create exclusion when systems favour some identities over others.
Why Social Identity Matters in the Workplace
Workplaces are filled with layered identities. If organisations only focus on one aspect, like gender or ethnicity, they risk overlooking the full picture. For example:
- A young migrant woman may not feel fully represented in a “Women in Leadership” group.
- An LGBTQIA+ employee may not feel their cultural background is recognised in a “Pride Network.”
This is why understanding social identity is crucial. It ensures strategies reflect the complexity of real people, not single categories.
Intersectionality Explained
Intersectionality is the recognition that identities overlap and interact. No one experiences the world through only one identity. The way bias or privilege plays out for someone depends on the combination of their identities.
For example:
- A Black woman may face challenges that are different from those faced by white women or Black men.
- An Aboriginal employee who is also neurodivergent may navigate barriers in unique ways.
Intersectionality helps organisations move away from a “tick-box” approach to inclusion and instead build strategies that reflect real lives.
Benefits of Recognising Social Identity and Intersectionality
When organisations embrace intersectionality, they:
- Recognise the whole person rather than reducing them to one category
- Design fairer policies that account for overlapping barriers
- Strengthen belonging by showing employees they do not have to “choose” which part of themselves is valued
- Encourage collaboration between employee networks instead of keeping them in silos
👉 Read more about diversity and inclusion strategies that create space for layered identities.
Practical Steps for Leaders
- Review policies and initiatives – Do they account for overlapping identities?
- Encourage collaboration between networks – For example, Women in Leadership and Pride Networks can co-host events.
- Use inclusive language – Ask open questions like, “Tell me more about your story.”
- Collect diverse feedback – Go beyond surface-level representation when measuring engagement.
- Invest in intersectional training – Equip leaders with the tools to recognise and respond to complex identities.
A Story from Practice
In one organisation I worked with, staff shared that they often felt pressured to “pick” which identity was supported at work. Leadership responded by connecting networks, creating joint initiatives, and inviting staff to bring their full selves into conversations. Employees reported feeling seen in a way they never had before.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is social identity?
It is how we understand ourselves in relation to the groups we belong to, such as race, gender, culture, or religion.
What is intersectionality?
It is the recognition that identities overlap and interact, shaping how privilege and bias are experienced.
Why does intersectionality matter in workplaces?
It ensures inclusion strategies reflect real lives, not just single categories, leading to more equitable and supportive environments.
👉 External resource: Catalyst – Intersectionality in the workplace
Social Identity is the Key to Inclusion
Workplaces that recognise social identity and intersectionality create environments where people can show up fully. It is not just about representation. It is about belonging, fairness, and innovation through the recognition of complexity.
👉 Ready to embrace intersectionality in your workplace? Book a social identity and cultural intelligence session with RedHead Communications today.