17.2 Intersectionality and its implications for policy design

Intersectionality examines how multiple social categories create overlapping systems of discrimination. It challenges single-axis thinking in policy design, highlighting the limitations of addressing only one form of inequality. This approach leads to more nuanced, effective, and equitable policy solutions.

Social policies that fail to consider intersectionality may worsen inequalities for individuals with multiple marginalized identities. Intersectional analysis in social policy examines how different social categories interact, informing more equitable policy design by revealing nuanced effects across population segments.

Intersectionality and Social Policy

Theoretical Framework and Origins

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• Intersectionality examines how multiple social categorizations (race, gender, class, sexuality) intersect to create overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage
• Legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw coined the term in 1989, building on earlier work by Black feminist scholars and activists
• Challenges single-axis thinking in policy design by highlighting limitations of addressing only one form of inequality
• Requires examining how different social categories interact to produce unique experiences of privilege and oppression
• Applying an intersectional lens leads to more nuanced, effective, and equitable policy solutions addressing complex realities of diverse populations

Policy Implications and Analysis

• Social policies failing to consider intersectionality may inadvertently exacerbate inequalities for individuals with multiple marginalized identities
• Intersectional analysis in social policy examines how different social categories interact to produce unique experiences
• Quantitative and qualitative research methods capture and analyze complex interplay of intersecting identities and their impacts on social outcomes
• Intersectional data collection and disaggregation crucial for understanding differential impacts of policies on various intersectional groups
• Informs more equitable policy design by revealing nuanced effects across different population segments

Intersecting Identities and Oppression

Compounded Disadvantages and Lived Experiences

• Intersecting identities create unique lived experiences not fully understood by examining each identity in isolation
• Systems of oppression (racism, sexism, classism, heteronormativity) interact and reinforce each other, creating compounded disadvantages
• Matrix of domination (Patricia Hill Collins) explains how intersecting systems of oppression organized and maintained through structural, disciplinary, hegemonic, and interpersonal domains
• Intersectional invisibility occurs when individuals with multiple subordinate-group identities do not fit prototypes of respective identity groups
  • Leads to unique experiences being overlooked
• Principle of simultaneity emphasizes individuals experience multiple forms of oppression simultaneously, not sequentially or hierarchically

Research and Analysis Methods

• Developed quantitative and qualitative research methods to capture complex interplay of intersecting identities
• Analyze impacts on social outcomes across various intersectional groups
• Intersectional data disaggregation reveals nuanced patterns of inequality
• Mixed-methods approaches combine statistical analysis with in-depth qualitative insights
• Longitudinal studies track how intersectional experiences evolve over time
• Participatory research methods engage communities in data collection and analysis

Policy Design and Intersectional Inequalities

Single-Issue Approaches and Their Limitations

• Policies focusing on single-issue approaches often fail to address complex needs of individuals with intersecting marginalized identities
  • Potentially exacerbate existing inequalities
• Trickle-down social justice assumes policies benefiting broad category will equally benefit all subgroups
  • Often proves false when examined through intersectional lens
• Seemingly neutral policies may have disproportionate impacts on different intersectional groups
  • Requires careful examination through intersectional policy analysis

Strategies for Intersectional Policy Design

• Targeted universalism sets universal goals while using targeted strategies to address specific needs of different groups
  • Potentially addresses intersectional inequalities more effectively
• Participatory policymaking processes include voices from diverse intersectional backgrounds
  • Helps identify and address potential blind spots in policy design
• Intersectional data collection and disaggregation crucial for understanding differential impacts of policies
  • Informs more equitable policy design by revealing nuanced effects across population segments
• Collaborative approaches bring together policymakers, researchers, and community organizations representing diverse intersectional perspectives

Intersectionality in Policy Development

Incorporating Intersectional Lens in Policy Process

• Conduct comprehensive stakeholder analyses considering intersectional identities and experiences
  • Informs policy development by capturing diverse perspectives
• Implement intersectional impact assessments as standard part of policy development process
  • Anticipates and mitigates potential negative effects on marginalized groups
• Develop and utilize intersectional indicators and metrics to measure policy outcomes across different intersectional groups
  • Enables tracking of policy effectiveness for various population segments
• Foster collaboration between policymakers, researchers, and community organizations representing diverse intersectional perspectives throughout policy cycle
  • Ensures ongoing input and feedback from affected communities

Institutionalizing Intersectional Approaches

• Incorporate intersectional frameworks into policy evaluation methodologies
  • Assesses effectiveness and equity of implemented policies
• Provide training and resources on intersectionality and its application to policy for policymakers, analysts, and other stakeholders
  • Builds capacity for intersectional thinking across policy domains
• Advocate for institutionalization of intersectional approaches in government agencies and organizations responsible for policy development and implementation
  • Embeds intersectional considerations into standard operating procedures
• Develop intersectional policy toolkits and guidelines for different policy areas
  • Provides practical resources for applying intersectional lens in various contexts