17 Intersectionality and Positionality
Intersectionality
Intersectionality refers to the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity as they apply to a given individual or group. Intersectional identities create overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage. The term was coined by lawyer, civil rights advocate, and critical race theory scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw (pictured, right) to describe the “various ways in which race and gender intersect in shaping structural and political aspects of violence against women of color”. More recently, Crenshaw has explained that intersectionality is a lens that focuses on the ways people with intersecting identities can be treated differently by the same institution or power structure (capitalism, colonialism, patriarchy), because these systems of power erase and negate the complexity of experience that intersecting identities create. See the article in Time Magazine (Feb 20, 2020) “She Coined the Term ‘Intersectionality’ Over 30 Years Ago. Here’s What It Means to Her Today”.
Positionality
An important aspect of addressing power dynamics in the research design process is defining the identities and experiences that researchers bring to all parts of the research process. When a researcher defines the identities and experiences they bring, they are better able to explain their own biases and create transparency* regarding their research findings. Acknowledging the positionality of the people inside a research team provides a unique opportunity to attend to decisions that will affect the outcome of the research project/program.
Note: Transparency as a principle of Equity and Inclusion
“The principle of transparency in organizing, engagement and equity work refers to the full and honest accounting of all facts, information, and context essential to ensuring an informed and equitable decision-making process. In practice, the principle of transparency also applies to the intentions and conduct of leaders, organizers, and facilitators, including whether they encourage or suppress criticism and dissenting viewpoints, whether they share or conceal unflattering information and conflicts of interest, and whether they acknowledge or disregard their own motivations and biases.” (Kip Holley and Jon Martinez, Organizing Engagement)
Below is an illustration that brings together multiple identities and indicates the level of power each identity typically holds within the socio-cultural context of Canada. If the identity is closer to the centre of the wheel it usually holds more power and privilege in the Canadian and/or North American context. Identities closer to the margin often experience more inequities, barriers, and systemic oppression in the same context.
For example, a researcher might locate themselves at the intersection of both the dominant and marginal identities they hold, which can include describing oneself as a white woman from rural BC, who identifies as heterosexual and grew-up working class. This description is often referred to as a researcher’s positionality or positionality statement, because it positions the researcher at the intersection of different identities and experiences. Being reflective of positionality ahead of time will help researchers take power dynamics into consideration, which can lead to more ethical and better-quality research. It is also important to note that these intersectional factors need to be addressed while research is being designed, and not just when writing up the research or inserted into publications after the study is completed. The lack of an intersectional lens will leave biases and assumptions unexplored throughout the research process.
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