Applying Intersectionality in Policy and Practice: Unseating the Dominance of Gender in Responding to Social Inequalities

Abstract

Researchers, policymakers and practitioners have long struggled with how to apply the Black feminist theory of intersectionality. While the term intersectionality is commonly appropriated by white feminism, the first, and most difficult, step to operationalising intersectionality is to unseat the dominance of a unitary gender lens – or any other hierarchy – for understanding social inequalities. In an intersectional approach, relevant entry points and target groups are context-specific and based on the empirical evidence of where the greatest intersecting inequalities lie. This article will consider how to understand intersectionality, and how it can be applied in policy and practice. I argue that (1) addressing the needs and interests of those who are most marginalised, within the context of (2) cross-cutting issues affecting differently marginalised groups, is the most effective way to mitigate inequalities.