Introduction to GBA Plus

Intersectionality Mythbusters

  1. Myth: Personal biases do not impact analysis, which is assumed to be objective
    While there may be expectations of researcher objectivity in other fields, an intersectionality approach recognizes that personal biases – conscious and unconscious – may impact a researcher’s ability to effectively identify barriers to equality. Researchers are expected to be reflexive, and to identify how their own perspectives, background and social location impact the work that they do.  
  2. Myth: Intersectionality only focuses on the individual, and their factors
    Intersectionality emphasizes the importance of identifying multiple and diverse factors, and how they interact with external considerations. Intersectionality focuses on how structural, systemic, political, social and geographical factors interact with factors to shape lived experiences.