Intersectionality from Regional Perspectives: Its Understandings and Applications

Intersectionality is a concept describing how various forms of social stratification, such as gender, class, ethnicity, rase and others, interconnect and create overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage. While the foundational ideas of intersectionality originate from the experiences of Black women in the United States, the concept has since been applied and adapted to various regional contexts around the world, each with its unique social, cultural, and political nuances. In Latin American countries intersectionality is often discussed in the context of race (particularly Afro-Latin and Indigenous populations), gender, and class. Movements emphasize the historical impacts of colonialism, economic exploitation, and the ongoing struggles for indigenous rights and recognition of Afrodescendant populations. In Central and Eastern Europe, alongside gender and socioeconomic status, the focus may be more on ethnic and national identities as well as disabilities. By recognizing and addressing the multiple and intersecting identities that individuals hold, strategies for social change can more effectively promote inclusion. While this is increasingly recognised by research organisations and higher education institutions, at the same time implementing intersectionality in their gender equality plans (GEPs) comes with several recognized challenges. These problems stem from both systemic, institutional, and broader societal factors, as well as the complexity inherent in addressing multiple, intersecting forms of discrimination and inequality. An essential factor for designing and implementing inclusive GEPs is collecting disaggregated data with a context-sensitive intersectional lens. Gathering and analysing this data helps to identify specific barriers and disparities that different groups may face, enabling targeted interventions, assessment of their effectivity and their improvement over time.