An intersectional analysis of mental health: challenges and perspectives

Abstract

he topic of mental health has become increasingly prominent in academic and political
debates. In this context, intersectionality, a concept developed by Kimberlé Crenshaw (2002)
allows for an understanding of mental health through a perspective that integrates the multiple
realities of individuals. Accordingly, this article analyzes how social markers of class, gender, and
race impact the experience of psychological distress among the population of Piauí and their
access to mental health care. The study draws upon the works of Akotirene (2019), Lélia
Gonzalez (2020), Donna Haraway (2009), and Fanon (1961), among other theorists who
highlight the impact of social markers on the psychological well-being of historically
marginalized groups. The article is based on a literature review that combines classical authors
with contemporary contributions, enabling a critical and contextualized analysis.