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Intersectionality: An Underutilized but Essential Theoretical Framework for Social Psychology

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The Palgrave Handbook of Critical Social Psychology

Abstract

Intersectionality is a critical analytical framework for social psychology. I have organized this chapter into four sections. First, I provide a historical overview of intersectionality. Second, using some of intersectionality’s core tenets as a foundation, I critique some traditional assumptions of mainstream social psychological theory and research. Third, I highlight some current trends in intersectional social psychological research. Finally, I conclude with (1) a brief discussion about why social psychology has been so slow to embrace intersectionality, (2) a summary of the advantages of a more intersectional social psychology, and (3) recommendations of some key references for further reading.

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Bowleg, L. (2017). Intersectionality: An Underutilized but Essential Theoretical Framework for Social Psychology. In: Gough, B. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Critical Social Psychology. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-51018-1_25

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