Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Are We All ‘Baskets of Characteristics?’ Intersectional Slippages and the Displacement of Race in English and Scottish Equality Policy

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
The Palgrave Handbook of Intersectionality in Public Policy

Part of the book series: The Politics of Intersectionality ((POLI))

Abstract

This chapter will present comparative analysis of English and Scottish equality policy documents referring to intersectionality, specifically the meaning given to it and how it is deployed. It argues that, even within countries, a range of contradicting definitions are evident and that, although engagement with intersectionality is greater and at a higher level in Scotland, in both countries its deployment is largely descriptive, superficial, additive and inconsistent, leaving its potential unrealised. It also highlights a discrepancy between debates in intersectionality theory, as to the centrality of race and the social location of women of colour, and intersectionality’s meanings and uses in policy documents. It identifies the equality third sector as a key actor in influencing the recognition that is given to intersectionality and discusses challenges it faces in influencing policy. Finally it offers questions and recommendations for a take-up of intersectionality more aligned to its social justice orientation.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 259.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 329.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Notes

  1. 1.

    There are varying definitions of ‘led by/for’ in use in the third sector. Here I mean that the organisation developed purposefully to be Black/people of colour majority led among its trustees during my time there, which is distinct from a ‘Black LGBTQ organisation’ since permanent staff were usually majority white and our work was directed more widely: at the time our priority target communities were the overlapping groups of Black, Deaf, disabled and female LGBTQ people.

  2. 2.

    This is the Scottish Government’s terminology, female genital mutilation (FGM).

References

  • Ahmed, S. (2012). On Being Included: Racism and Diversity in Institutional Life. Durham; London: Duke University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Atkinson, P., & Coffey, A. (2004). Analysing Documentary Realities. In D. Silverman (Ed.), Qualitative Research: Theory, Method and Practice (2nd ed., pp. 56–75). London: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bassel, L., & Emejulu, A. (2010). Struggles for Institutional Space in France and the United Kingdom: Intersectionality and the Politics of Policy. Politics & Gender, 6(4), 517–544. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1743923X10000358.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bassel, L., & Emejulu, A. (2017). Minority Women and Austerity: Survival and Resistance in France and Britain. Bristol, UK; Chicago: Policy Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Bilge, S. (2013). Intersectionality Undone: Saving Intersectionality from Feminist Studies. Du Bois Review, 10(2), 405–424.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bishwakarma, R., Hunt, V. H., & Zajicek, A. (2008). Beyond One-Dimensional Policy Frameworks: A Practical Guide for an Intersectional Policy Analysis. Himalaya Res Bull, 27(1–2), 19–30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bowes, L., Evans, J., Nathwani, T., Birkin, G., Boyd, A., Holmes, C., et al. (2015). Understanding Progression into Higher Education for Disadvantaged and Under-Represented Groups, Bis Research Paper Number 229. London: Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cabinet Office. (2007). Fairness and Freedom: The Final Report of the Equalities Review. London: Cabinet Office.

    Google Scholar 

  • centred. (2014). The London Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Voluntary and Community Sector Almanac 3rd Edition. London: centred.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cheek, J. (2004). At the Margins? Discourse Analysis and Qualitative Research. Qualitative Health Research, 14(8), 1140–1150. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732304266820.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Colgan, F., Chrissy, H., & McKearney, A. (2014). Staying Alive: The Impact of ‘Austerity Cuts’ on the LGBT Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) in England and Wales. Retrieved from https://www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/StayingAlive.pdf

  • Collins, P. H. (1990). Black Feminist Thought: Knowledge, Consciousness and the Politics of Empowerment. New York: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Collins, P. H. (2015). Intersectionality’s Definitional Dilemmas [Review-Article]. Annual Review of Sociology, 41, 1–20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Collins, P. H., & Bilge, S. (2016). Intersectionality (1st ed.). Cambridge, UK; Malden, MA: Polity Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. (2017). Concluding Observations (2017) CRPD/C/GBR/CO/1. Retrieved July 4, 2018, from https://ohchr.org/EN/countries/ENACARegion/Pages/GBIndex.aspx

  • Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 139–168.

    Google Scholar 

  • Crenshaw, K. (1991). Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Colour. Stanford Law Review, 43(6), 1241–1299.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Department of Work and Pensions. (2012). Equality Impact Assessment of the Innovation Fund. London: DWP.

    Google Scholar 

  • Equality and Human Rights Commission. (2009a). Disabled People’s Experiences of Targeted Violence and Hostility. Manchester: Equality and Human Rights Commission.

    Google Scholar 

  • Equality and Human Rights Commission. (2009b). Trans Research Review. Manchester: EHRC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Equality and Human Rights Commission. (2010). Refugees and Asylum Seekers: A Review from an Equality and Human Rights Perspective. Manchester: Equality and Human Rights Commission.

    Google Scholar 

  • Equality and Human Rights Commission. (2012a). Attitudes Measurement Framework Series Briefing Paper No. 1. Manchester: EHRC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Equality and Human Rights Commission. (2012b). Individual, Family and Social Life, Measurement Framework Series Briefing paper no. 2. Manchester: EHRC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Equality and Human Rights Commission. (2015a). Is Britain Fairer? Manchester: EHRC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Equality and Human Rights Commission. (2015b). Is Britain Fairer Evidence Paper Series: Methodology paper. Manchester: EHRC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Equality and Human Rights Commission. (2016a). Equality Measurement Framework. Manchester: EHRC. Retrieved from https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/equality-measurement-framework.

  • Equality and Human Rights Commission. (2016b). Prejudice and Unlawful Behaviour: Exploring Levers for Change. Manchester: EHRC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Equality Challenge Unit. (2016). Intersectionality in Scottish Higher Education Institutions: Examining Socioeconomic Status and Protected Characteristics. London: ECU.

    Google Scholar 

  • Freeman, R. (2006). The Work the Document Does: Research, Policy, and Equity in Health. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 31(1), 51. https://doi.org/10.1215/03616878-31-1-51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Freeman, R., & Maybin, J. (2011). Documents, Practices and Policy. Evidence & Policy: A Journal of Research, Debate and Practice, 7(2), 155–170. https://doi.org/10.1332/174426411X579207.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Freeman, R., & Sturdy, S. (2015). Knowledge and Policy in Research and Practice. In R. Freeman & S. Sturdy (Eds.), Knowledge in Policy: Embodied, Inscribed, Enacted (pp. 201–218). Bristol: Policy Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hancock, A. M. (2016). Intersectionality: An Intellectual History. Oxford, New York: Oxford University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Hankivsky, O. (Ed.). (2012). An Intersectionality based Policy Analysis Framework. Vancouver: Institute for Intersectionality Research and Policy.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hankivsky, O., & Christoffersen, A. (2008). Intersectionality and the Determinants of Health: A Canadian Perspective. Critical Public Health, 18(3), 271–283.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hankivsky, O., & Christoffersen, A. (2011). Gender Mainstreaming in the United Kingdom: Current Issues and Future Challenges. British Politics, 6, 30–51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hankivsky, O., & Cormier, R. (2011). Intersectionality and Public Policy: Some Lessons from Existing Models. Political Research Quarterly, 64(1), 217–229.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hankivsky, O., de Merich, D., & Christoffersen, A. (forthcoming). Mainstreaming Equality in the United Kingdom New Developments.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hankivsky, O., Grace, D., Hunting, G., Giesbrecht, M., Fridkin, A., Rudrum, S., et al. (2014). An Intersectionality-based Policy Analysis Framework: Critical Reflections on a Methodology for Advancing Equity. International Journal for Equity in Health, 13(1).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hermanin, C., & Squires, J. (2012). Institutionalizing Intersectionality in the “Big Three”: The Changing Equality Framework in France, Germany and Britain. In A. Krizsan, H. Skjeie, & J. Squires (Eds.), Institutionalizing Intersectionality: The Changing Nature of European Equality Regimes (2012 ed., pp. 89–118). Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire; New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Jordan-Zachery, J. (2013). Now You See Me, Now You Don’t: My Political Fight against the Invisibility/Erasure of Black Women in Intersectionality Research. Politics, Groups, and Identities, 1(1), 101–109. https://doi.org/10.1080/21565503.2012.760314.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kairos in Soho. (2011). The London Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Voluntary and Community Sector Almanac (1st ed.). London: Kairos in Soho.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kairos in Soho. (2012). In A. Christoffersen (Ed.), The London Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Voluntary and Community Sector Almanac (2nd ed.). London: Kairos in Soho.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krizsan, A., Skjeie, H., & Squires, J. (2012a). Institutionalizing Intersectionality: A Theoretical Framework. In A. Krizsan, H. Skjeie, & J. Squires (Eds.), Institutionalizing Intersectionality: The Changing Nature of European Equality Regimes (2012 ed., pp. 1–32). Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire; New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Krizsan, A., Skjeie, H., & Squires, J. (Eds.). (2012b). Institutionalizing Intersectionality: The Changing Nature of European Equality Regimes (2012 ed.). Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire; New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mackay, F. (2010). Gendering Constitutional Change and Policy Outcomes: Substantive Representation and Domestic Violence Policy in Scotland. Policy & Politics, 38(3), 369–388. https://doi.org/10.1332/030557310X521062.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • May, V. M. (2015). Pursuing Intersectionality, Unsettling Dominant Imaginaries. New York: Routledge.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Mohanty, C. T. (2003). Feminism without Borders: Decolonizing Theory, Practicing Solidarity. Durham: Duke University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Mohanty, C. T. (2013). Transnational Feminist Crossings: On Neoliberalism and Radical Critique. Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, 38(4), 967–991.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Opportunity Agenda. (2017). Ten Tips for Putting Intersectionality into Practice. Opportunity Agenda. Retrieved from https://opportunityagenda.org/sites/default/files/2017-06/Intersectionality-into-Practice-Edits05.30.17.pdf.

  • Parken, A. (2010). A Multi-Strand Approach to Promoting Equalities and Human Rights in Policy Making. Policy & Politics, 38(1), 79–99.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pillow, W. (2003). Confession, Catharsis, or Cure? Rethinking the Uses of Reflexivity as Methodological Power in Qualitative Research. International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, 16(2), 175–196. https://doi.org/10.1080/0951839032000060635.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prior, L. (2003). Using Documents in Social Research. London: Sage.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Scottish Funding Council. (2015). University Outcome Agreement Guidance for Academic Year 2014–15 to 2016–17: Refresh. Edinburgh: Scottish Funding Council.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scottish Government. (2003, February 10). Equality Proofing Budget Seminar [Minutes]. Retrieved March 7, 2017, from http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2003/02/16316.

  • Scottish Government. (2010, November 17). Equality Statement Scotland’s Budget 2011–12 [Publication]. Retrieved March 7, 2017, from http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2010/11/17115419/0.

  • Scottish Government. (2011, September 21). Equality Statement Scottish Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012–13 [Publication]. Retrieved March 7, 2017, from http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2011/09/26110945/26.

  • Scottish Government. (2013a, March 7). Scottish Government Equality Outcomes. Retrieved March 7, 2017, from http://www.gov.scot/Topics/People/Equality/EqualityOutcomes.

  • Scottish Government. (2013b, October 15). Rights to Reality: A Framework of Action for Independent Living in Scotland 2013 to 2015 [Publication]. Retrieved March 9, 2017, from http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2013/10/1226.

  • Scottish Government. (2014, February 13). Equality Evidence Strategy 2014 [Info Page]. Retrieved March 7, 2017, from http://www.gov.scot/Topics/People/Equality/Equalities/EqualFramework/equalityevstrategy2014.

  • Scottish Government. (2015, November 19). Active Scotland Outcomes: Indicator Equality Analysis [Research Publications]. Retrieved March 9, 2017, from http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2015/11/9439.

  • Scottish Government. (2016a). CEMVO Consultation Response Public Sector Equality Duty Amendment Regulations 2016. Edinburgh: Scottish Government.

    Google Scholar 

  • Scottish Government. (2016b, March 21). Race Equality Framework for Scotland 2016–2030 [Publication]. Retrieved March 9, 2017, from http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2016/03/4084.

  • Scottish Government. (2016c, March 23). EQIA Public Sector Equality Duty Amendment Regulations 2016 [Publication]. Retrieved March 9, 2017, from http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2016/03/9832/1.

  • Scottish Government. (2016d, March 23). Equally Safe [Publication]. Retrieved March 9, 2017, from http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2016/03/7926.

  • Scottish Government. (2017a). Equality Outcomes and Mainstreaming Report 2017 (Report). Retrieved from http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2017/04/4384.

  • Scottish Government. (2017b, February 23). Race Equality Framework Implementation Approach [Guidance]. Retrieved May 23, 2017, from http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2017/02/7935.

  • Solanke, I. (2011). Infusing the Silos in the Equality Act 2010 with Synergy. The Industrial Law Journal, 40(4), 336–358.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Squires, J. (2008). Intersecting Inequalities: Reflecting on the Subjects and Objects of Equality. Political Quarterly, 79(1), 53–61. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-923X.2008.00902.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Squires, J. (2009). Intersecting Inequalities: Britain’s Equality Review. International Feminist Journal of Politics, 11(4), 496–512.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stanley, L. (2016). Archival Methodology Inside the Black Box. In N. Moore, A. Salter, L. Stanley, & M. Tamboukou (Eds.), The Archive Project: Archival Research in the Social Sciences. London; New York: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sudbury, J. (1998). “Other Kinds of Dreams”: Black Women’s Organisations and the Politics of Transformation (1st ed., Later Printing ed.). London; New York: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • The Socio-Economic Duty: A Consultation Equality Sector Response. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.closethegap.org.uk/content/resources/Socioeconomic-duty-consultation-equality-sector-response-September-2017.pdf.

  • Tomlinson, B. (2013). Colonizing Intersectionality: Replicating Racial Hierarchy in Feminist Academic Arguments. Social Identities, 19(2), 254–272.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tracey. (2017, October 12). Women’s Budget Group, Runnymede Trust, RECLAIM and Coventry Women’s Voices Report: Intersecting Inequalities, The Impact of Austerity on Black and Minority Ethnic Women in the UK. Retrieved October 25, 2017, from http://www.edf.org.uk/womens-budget-group-runnymede-trust-reclaim-and-coventry-womens-voices-report-intersecting-inequalities-the-impact-of-austerity-on-black-and-minority-ethnic-women-in-the-uk/.

  • Vacchelli, E., Kathrecha, P., & Gyte, N. (2015). Is It Really Just the Cuts? Neo-liberal Tales from the Women’s Voluntary and Community Sector in London. Feminist Review, 109, 180–189.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yuval-Davis, N. (2006). Intersectionality and Feminist Politics. The European Journal of Women’s Studies, 13(3), 193–209.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Social Policy School of Social and Political Science (SPS), University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK

    Ashlee Christoffersen

  2. Center for Intersectional Justice, Berlin, Germany

    Ashlee Christoffersen

Authors
  1. Ashlee Christoffersen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Public Policy, Institute for Intersectionality Research and Policy, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Olena Hankivsky

  2. Providence College, Providence, RI, USA

    Julia S. Jordan-Zachery

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2019 The Author(s)

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Christoffersen, A. (2019). Are We All ‘Baskets of Characteristics?’ Intersectional Slippages and the Displacement of Race in English and Scottish Equality Policy. In: Hankivsky, O., Jordan-Zachery, J.S. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Intersectionality in Public Policy. The Politics of Intersectionality. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-98473-5_33

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation