The Politics of Intersectional Practice: Representation, Coalition and Solidarity in UK NGOs

Intersectionality is essential for achieving social justice, but it is challenging to apply due to divided policy areas. This book examines the use of intersectionality in UK policy and practice, with five distinct interpretations of intersectional practice and their implications. It offers valuable insights into how policy and practice can be organized in more intersectional ways.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 23 May 2024
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Intersectionality is a crucial concept in achieving social justice, as it recognizes that different forms of discrimination and inequality intersect and affect individuals differently. However, applying intersectionality in policy and practice can be challenging due to the divided nature of policy areas. This book examines the use of intersectionality in UK policy and practice, with a specific focus on NGOs. It outlines five distinct interpretations of intersectional practice and their implications. The book draws from extensive fieldwork with a diverse range of equality organizations, providing valuable insights into how policy and practice can be organized in more intersectional ways.

One of the key challenges of intersectionality is the need to address multiple forms of discrimination and inequality simultaneously. This can be difficult because different policy areas may have different priorities and resources, and may not be willing to work together to address intersectional issues. Intersectionality can also be challenging to measure and evaluate, as it requires a holistic approach that takes into account the multiple dimensions of discrimination and inequality.

Despite these challenges, intersectionality has been gaining traction in UK policy and practice in recent years. There have been a number of initiatives and policies that have aimed to address intersectional issues, including the Equality Act 2010, the Race Relations Act 1976, and the Gender Pay Gap Reporting Regulations. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that intersectionality is fully integrated into policy and practice.

One of the key findings of this book is that intersectionality can be applied in a variety of ways in policy and practice. For example, it can be used to identify and address the root causes of discrimination and inequality, to develop policies that are more effective in addressing multiple forms of discrimination, and to ensure that policies are implemented in a fair and equitable manner.

Another key finding of this book is that intersectionality can be challenging to implement in practice. This is because it requires a collaborative approach that involves a range of stakeholders, including policymakers, practitioners, and community members. It can also be difficult to measure and evaluate the impact of intersectional policies and practices, as it requires a long-term perspective and a willingness to adapt and learn.

To address these challenges, this book offers a number of recommendations. One of the most important recommendations is to create a more collaborative and inclusive policy and practice environment. This can be done by promoting diversity and inclusion in policy and practice, by providing training and support to practitioners, and by engaging with community members and other stakeholders.

Another recommendation is to develop more effective policies and practices that address intersectional issues. This can be done by using a holistic approach that takes into account the multiple dimensions of discrimination and inequality, by using data and evidence to inform policy and practice, and by working with community members and other stakeholders to develop policies that are responsive to their needs.

In conclusion, intersectionality is a crucial concept in achieving social justice, but it is a challenging theory to apply in policy and practice. This book examines the use of intersectionality in UK policy and practice, with a specific focus on NGOs. It outlines five distinct interpretations of intersectional practice and their implications. The book offers valuable insights into how policy and practice can be organized in more intersectional ways, and provides a number of recommendations for addressing these challenges. By creating a more collaborative and inclusive policy and practice environment, developing more effective policies and practices, and engaging with community members and other stakeholders, we can work towards a more just and equitable society.

Weight: 552g
Dimension: 240 x 162 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529236095