Hankivsky-Intersectionality101-2014

Introduction

• Publication: Intersectionality 101

• Author: Olena Hankivsky, PhD, Simon Fraser University

• Publisher: Institute for Intersectionality Research and Policy

• Published: April 2014

• ISBN: 978-0-86491-355-5

• Citations: 51

• Reads: 19,158

Purpose of the Primer

• Growth in the use of intersectionality over the past 15 years by various scholars and activists.

• Aims to:

  • Provide a clear, accessible guide to intersectionality.

  • Explore key elements and characteristics of intersectionality.

  • Distinguish intersectionality from other equity approaches.

  • Demonstrate applications in research, policy, and teaching.

  • Show transformative possibilities in understanding social problems.

Definition of Intersectionality

• Origin: Coined by Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw in 1989.

• Emphasizes that inequities arise from intersections of various social locations and power relations.

• Intersectionality examines how social categories (e.g., race, gender, class) interact and co-construct people's experiences within systems of power.

Key Tenets of Intersectionality

• Human lives are multi-dimensional; understanding requires examining the interconnectedness of social categories.

• The relevance of categories is context-specific and must be assessed during analysis.

• Power dynamics vary with context (geographic and situational) and affect the experiences of privilege and oppression.

• Individuals can experience both privilege and oppression at the same time.

• Analyzing social issues requires multi-level approaches linking personal experiences to broader structures.

• Researchers and advocates must reflect on their own social positions in their work.

• Focuses on building coalitions for social justice.

Visual Representations of Intersectionality

• Various models illustrate intersectionality, such as:

  • Traffic intersections (representing roads of oppression).

  • Baking ingredients blending into a batter (showing complexity of lived experiences).

  • Kaleidoscope reflections and marble cakes as metaphors for intersecting experiences.

  • Wheel diagrams capturing dimensions shaping social exclusion.

Models and Frameworks

• The Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women presents the wheel diagram showing multi-level dimensions.

• Mason's Intersectional Approach Model emphasizes policies addressing structural roots of social issues.

• Dhamoon's matrix of meaning-making illustrates dynamic processes across time and levels.

Appeal of Intersectionality

• Encourages exploration beyond single identity categories to uncover nuances in human lives.

• Encourages novel research and policies that understand diverse populations' interconnected structures.

• Addresses social issues illustrated by increasing ethnic diversity in Canada and globally; emphasizes effective interventions beyond one-size-fits-all solutions.

• Highlights the increasing inequality globally and urges for broader analyses in policies affecting health and socio-economic status.

Principles of Intersectionality-Based Policy Analysis (IBPA)

• Engages with issues of power and seeks transformative frameworks.

• Focuses on multi-level analyses of interconnections between structures of power and individual experiences.

• Emphasis on reflexivity, including recognizing the position and impact of the analyst's own social identity.

• Aims for social justice through equitable distribution of resources and relationships.

Addressing Inequities Through Research and Policy

• Men's Health: Calls for nuanced understanding beyond binary comparisons of gender; highlights intersectional influences like race and class on health outcomes.

• Healthy Weights: Illustrates how intersectionality casts light on the complexities of obesity, revealing factors beyond individual choices, such as socio-economic status and gender.

• Climate Change: Found to disproportionately affect vulnerable groups; intersectionality encourages looking at overlapping identities in understanding vulnerability and responses to climate issues.

Classroom Guidelines for Discussing Intersectionality

• Encourages respect, openness, and recognition of social inequalities.

• Promotes personal responsibility over accepting misinformation about identities.

• Fosters a respectful atmosphere for all students to engage and share experiences.

• Aims to utilize collective potential against oppressive systems.

Conclusion

• Intersectionality serves as a framework for addressing social inequities.

• The primer is part of a series aimed at exploring intersectionality's role in diverse fields and promoting ongoing research and activism.