Intersectionality and co-production in disability and physical activity research; critical reflections on promise, negotiation and transformation

Scholars undertaking intersectional research are called upon to address issues of power, positionality, and difference throughout their research. Equitable and experientially-informed co-production complements intersectionality with shared principles that centre marginalised voices and interrogate power dynamics. This article responds to the lack of guidance in integrating these two approaches by exploring our experiences of adopting an intersectional approach to co-production. We critically reflect upon the challenges and opportunities of co-production in our intersectional research into inequalities faced by disabled people in relation to physical activity. In collaboration with the UK’s leading organisation for disabled people, Disability Rights UK (DR UK), we created the Moving Intersectionality co-production group that is comprised of disabled people from diverse backgrounds. Reflexive thematic analysis of seven co-production meeting notes, 36 reflective diaries, and nine interviews with co-production partners resulted in the construction of three themes: 1) the paradox of co-production: promise versus reality; 2) negotiating power and conflict in relationship-building; and 3) transformations through shared learning. Taken together, these themes illustrate that intersectional approaches to co-production have the potential to foster equitable relationships for research if they are foregrounded in extensive collective reflexivity. Collective reflexivity enabled us to critically evaluate the challenges we experienced in upholding our co-production principles such as navigating how power between co-production partners was shaping our research. To conclude we call for further research to utilise intersectionality and co-production as complementary approaches to advance the practice of co-production, to reduce social inequalities and to promote social justice.