Intersectionality
We need to use the lens of intersectionality in practice to increase equity for adults and carers.
Part of the 'Equity Change Project'
Introduction
This section will help you understand what intersectionality is.
We consider the origins of the idea, and we use the analogy of traffic at a crossroads to explore the impact of intersecting discriminations.
We look at how using intersectionality helps us to understand identities. And we reflect on the importance of language and how the words we use can challenge or perpetuate inequalities.
Watch our short film for an introduction to intersectionality.
Length: 16 minutes.
Analogy - Traffic intersection
Roads of inequity crisscross through our society: racism, classism, disablism and sexism among others.
The mechanisms that drive oppression and discrimination, such as stereotyping, poverty and violence can be thought of as vehicles speeding up and down these roads. Someone standing at the intersection where these roads meet, whose identity includes different elements that give rise to discrimination, can be struck by multiple vehicles on multiple highways at the same time.
This leads to multiple injuries.
Understanding intersectionality
The following sections consider how we can better understand intersectionality and use a range of models.
Intersectionality is a framework for examining, deconstructing and challenging the idea that parts of a person’s identity are experienced as discrete categories.
Explore in more depth intersectional models and frameworks that help make visible people’s experiences of multiple oppression and discrimination; these include the analogy of the traffic intersection, the Social GRACES model and Intersectional Wheel, and how we use language to perpetuate or challenge power inequalities.
Introduction to intersectionality: Video
Crenshaw, K, (undated) Kimberlé Crenshaw at TED plus animation. TED Conferences.
The urgency of intersectionality: Video
Crenshaw, K. The urgency of intersectionality. TED Conferences.
Intersectionality for social workers: Book
Bernard, C. (2022). Intersectionality for social workers: A practical introduction to theory and practice. Routledge.
An intersectional model of reflection: Article
Nayak, S. (2022). An intersectional model of reflection: Is social work fit for purpose in an intersectionally racist world? Critical and Radical Social Work, 10(2), 319–334. DOI: 10.1332/204986021X16555682461270
IFSW’s definition of social work: Online resource
International Federation of Social Workers. (2014). Global definition of social work.
The stress on the body of living in an unjust society: Book
Geronimus, A. T. (2023). Weathering: The extraordinary stress of ordinary life on the body in an unjust society. Virago.
A toolkit for applying intersectionality: Toolkit
Simpson, J. (2009). Everyone belongs: A toolkit for applying intersectionality. CRAW-ICREF (Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women/Institut Canadien de Recherche sur les Femmes).
Developments in the Social Graces model: Chapter
Burnham, J. (2012). Developments in Social GGRRAAACCEEESSS: Visible-invisible, voiced-unvoiced. In I-B Krause (Ed.), Culture and reflexivity in systemic psychotherapy: Mutual perspectives. Karnac.
Microaggressions in the workplace: Blog
James-Edwards, D. (2022, December 1). Speaking up: Challenging microaggressions in the workplace. The King’s Fund.
Power – A health and social justice issue: Video
NHS Health Scotland, & Glasgow Centre for Population Health. (2017). Power – A health and social justice issue. (Now hosted on the Power inequality page of Public Health Scotland website).
Dementia – language guidelines: Online guide
DEEP. (n-d). Dementia words matter: Guidelines on language about dementia. The Dementia Engagement and Empowerment Project.
Systemic concepts – the Social GRACES: Video
Camden Children’s Social Work. (2019, March 20). Systemic concepts – the Social GRACES. YouTube. An introduction to the systemic concept of the Social GRACES by Karen Partridge, Systemic Lead at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust.
