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Seeing and Overcoming the Complexities of Intersectionality

Author

Listed:
  • Cate Thomas

    (Faculty of Science, Charles Sturt University, 2678 Wagga Wagga, Australia)

  • Colleen MacMillan

    (Agriculture & Food, CSIRO, 2601 Canberra, Australia)

  • Merryn McKinnon

    (National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, Australian National University, 2601 Canberra, Australia)

  • Hayley Torabi

    (Human Resources Division, Australian National University, 2601 Canberra, Australia)

  • Megan Osmond-McLeod

    (Diversity Inclusion Belonging, CSIRO, 2113 North Ryde, Australia)

  • Ellen Swavley

    (People & Diversity, University of Canberra, 2617 Canberra, Australia)

  • Tamzen Armer

    (Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE), 2601 Canberra, Australia)

  • Kimberley Doyle

    (Faculty of Science, Charles Sturt University, 2678 Wagga Wagga, Australia)

Abstract

Background : Intersectionality contests that individuals have multiple characteristics in their identity that cannot be siloed or deemed exclusive to each other. Understanding and utilising an intersectional lens in organisations can increase inclusion of individuals and organisational performance. An educational package known as the Intersectionality Walk (IW) was developed by the authors, piloted, and evaluated in order to break down the commonly held descriptors of diversity silos that fragments inclusion, and to understand how various identity characteristics compound disadvantage. The paper outlines the need to transition from siloed views of diversity to a more intrinsic view of identity to achieve inclusivity. Methods : The IW was developed and trialled with a series of work-based scenarios and realistic multifaceted personas. Data collection occurred pre- and post-IW utilising a mixed methods approach. Responses to Likert scale surveys and open-ended questions were captured and analysed via inductive and grounded theory perspectives. Results : An improved awareness and understanding of individual knowledge, reflectivity and positionality relating to intersectionality and intersectional approaches was reported on completion of the IW. Furthermore, responses reported how and why organisations can approach and improve inclusivity via using intersectional approaches. Conclusions : The IW as an educational package has a positive impact and is a key linkage for all employers to build an inclusive culture and to harness the talent of all employees. Further research will occur to measure the implemented change in organisations following the IW.

Suggested Citation

  • Cate Thomas & Colleen MacMillan & Merryn McKinnon & Hayley Torabi & Megan Osmond-McLeod & Ellen Swavley & Tamzen Armer & Kimberley Doyle, 2021. "Seeing and Overcoming the Complexities of Intersectionality," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-13, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jchals:v:12:y:2021:i:1:p:5-:d:493865
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Viruell-Fuentes, Edna A. & Miranda, Patricia Y. & Abdulrahim, Sawsan, 2012. "More than culture: Structural racism, intersectionality theory, and immigrant health," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 75(12), pages 2099-2106.
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    3. Jennifer Manyweathers & Jessie Lymn & Geraldine Rurenga & Katie Murrell-Orgill & Shara Cameron & Cate Thomas, 2020. "The Lived Experience of Gender and Gender Equity Policies at a Regional Australian University," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 9(7), pages 1-12, July.
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    7. Tuula Heiskanen & Katri Otonkorpi‐Lehtoranta & Minna Leinonen & Hanna Ylöstalo, 2018. "Gender Issues on Change Agenda – Practising Intersectionality in Action Research," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 25(5), pages 459-474, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Christine O’Connell & Merryn McKinnon, 2021. "Perceptions of Barriers to Career Progression for Academic Women in STEM," Societies, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-20, March.
    2. Cate Thomas, 2022. "Overcoming Identity Threat: Using Persona Pedagogy in Intersectionality and Inclusion Training," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-15, June.

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