An intersectionality lens is needed to establish a global view of equity, diversity and inclusion

Abstract

Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) have become essential considerations in different academic fields in recent years, attracting an increasing number of voices and perspectives from different groups. There is a need for an intersectionality framework that is inclusive of both the local and global diversity of researchers. Here, we present an intersectionality framework called KLOB which structures barriers to academic success into four components: knowledge exchange (K), language (L), obligations (O), and biases (B), and thus helps to think about the cumulative effect of multiple barriers that individuals from different backgrounds encounter to succeed in academic activities such as scientific publishing, which is the primary currency of academic success in our current system. This framework highlights both local and global disparities in socioeconomic, linguistic, and discriminatory factors that determine the opportunity of individual researchers to succeed in academia. We emphasise that individual researchers have no control over most barriers they face because of where and how they were born. Implementing solutions to address barriers associated with KLOB requires a multiscale vision and initiatives that tackle local and global inequities.

Bridging Neurodiversity and Open Scholarship: How Shared Values Can Guide Best Practices for Research Integrity, Social Justice, and Principled Education

“…Further, the neurodivergent sphere is diverse with people with other axes of identity mentioned above, presenting unique sets of challenges and/or privileges in navigating society in general and specifically academia. Adopting the intersectionality lens in academia is necessary to challenge the dominant academic narrative, which currently excludes underrepresented voices (Collins & Bilge, 2020;Khelifa & Mahdjoub, 2022). Intersectionality in OSch also allows us to examine inclusion practices to identify and reduce toxic behaviour, whilst uplifting traditionally marginalised voices.…”

Little transparency and equity in scientific awards for early- and mid-career researchers in ecology and evolution

“…33), intersectional diversity (more than one diversity aspect, for example, refs. 34,35) and none on disability. Such studies are difficult because detailed demographic information is seldom collected and shared.…”

Earth system justice needed to identify and live within Earth system boundaries

“…Justice between humans includes relationships between present humans (intragenerational) 42,43 and justice between states (international) 44 , among people of different states (global) 45 and between community members or citizens (communitarian or nationalist) 46 . 'Intersectional' justice considers multiple and overlapping social identities and categories (for example, gender, race, age, class, health) that underpin inequality, vulnerability and the capacity to respond 47 . Scholars have shown intersectional injustice when pollution is higher in poor and black neighbourhoods 16 , and Indigenous peoples, the minoritized and the poor are more exposed to environmental pollution than others 48 .…”