Intersectional Relational Identity: Co-Creating Work Relationships Across Differences

Extending theories of relational identity for a diverse workforce, we introduce the concept of intersectional relational identity— the unique, shared identity created by partners through integrating and transforming their intersecting roles and social positions. First, we introduce the dyadic-level construct of intersectional relational identity and locate it within a 2 × 2 framework of workplace relational identities. Situating our theorizing within the context of American gender and race labor stratification, we consider how work partners’ social identity (dis)similarity and role (mis)alignment interactively shape relational identity development. Second, we theorize how diverse partners co-create intersectional relational identities, identifying key motivators, facilitators, and mechanisms. We outline how the resulting uncertainty can foster relational identity development through the co-creation of work roles. This framework advances relational identity theory by revealing how identity differences and role-prototype misalignment, typically conceptualized as relational barriers, offer flexibility and innovation opportunities.