Learning from research
Intersectionality in Practice shares findings of co-produced research from the first study of how policymakers and practitioners themselves understand how to apply intersectionality.
The aim is to increase knowledge, confidence and commitment to target work more effectively at addressing the needs and interests of those who are intersectionally marginalised, leading to transformations in practice to further intersectional justice.
Intersectionality in Practice - Research by Dr. Ashlee Christoffersen
Animation by Mary Martins http://www.marymartins.com/
Intersectionality in Practice - Research findings for practitioners and policy makers
This briefing aimed at practitioners and policy makers shares learning from the research about how intersectionality is applied.
It shares examples for practitioners which demonstrate the strengths and limitations of different ways of applying intersectionality, and is intended to inform intersectionality’s growing interpretation and application by policy makers.
About the research
This research and analysis was conducted between 2016-2020 in Social Policy, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh. It was supported by the UK Economic and Social Research Council. It was the first in-depth exploration of intersectionality’s applications in the UK.
It was conducted with three networks of equality organisations. The networks are each made up of racial justice, feminist, disability rights, LGBTI rights, refugee organisations, and intersectional combinations of these.
The project identified that there are five competing applied concepts of intersectionality that circulate in UK third sector equality organising and policy, each of which have different implications for intersectionally marginalised groups and intersectional justice. Given that there are different concepts of intersectionality used, it is important to carefully examine the specific meanings given to intersectionality in equality policy and practice.