Applying Intersectionality With Constructive Grounded Theory as an Innovative Research Approach for Studying Complex Populations: Demonstrating Congruency

Abstract

One goal of qualitative health research is to fully capture and understand stories of people who experience inequities shaped by complex interlocking structural and social determinants. With this social justice–oriented goal in mind, it is critical to use a methodological approach that appreciates prevailing inequities and oppression. In this article, we propose an innovative approach that joins qualitative health research methodology with critical inquiry. Specifically, we propose advancing constructive grounded theory (CGT) through applying intersectionality as an emergent critical social theory and an analytical tool. With our proposed approach being novel, minimal attempts to conceptualize and operationalize CGT with intersectionality exist. This article focuses on initiating theoretical conceptualization through focusing on demonstrating congruency. We are guided by this focus to seek connectedness and fit through analyzing historical and philosophical assumptions of CGT and intersectionality. In our article, we demonstrate congruency within four units of analysis: reflexivity, complexity, variability, and social justice. Through these units, we offer implications to applying intersectionality within CGT methodology. These include a foundation that guides researchers toward further conceptualizing and operationalizing this novel research approach. Implications also include innovatively exploring complex population groups who face structural inequities that shape their lived vulnerabilities. Our proposed research approach supports critical reflection on the research process to consider what shapes the researcher–participant relationship. This includes reflecting on analysis of power dynamics, underlying ideologies, and intermingling social locations. Thus, our conceptual paper addresses the call for evolving social justice methodologies toward inquiring into complex populations and generating knowledge that challenges and resists inequity.

How Are Forcibly Displaced People Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak? Evidence From Brazil

“…This process of bracketing allowed me to understand the different power relations between the researcher (White, female, Brazilian) and refugees (non-White and nonnationals). I adopted intersectionality as an analytical approach as recommended by Kassam et al (2020) . I understand intersectionality “as a worldview that aims at disrupting inequity and revealing processes of power, privilege, and disadvantage among complex populations” ( Kassam et al, 2020 , p. 4).…”

“…I adopted intersectionality as an analytical approach as recommended by Kassam et al (2020) . I understand intersectionality “as a worldview that aims at disrupting inequity and revealing processes of power, privilege, and disadvantage among complex populations” ( Kassam et al, 2020 , p. 4). Intersectionality involves the “confluence of multiple identities in each individual” that occupy multiple social identities and social categories (like gender, class, sexual orientation, nationality).…”

You Have to Pay to Live: Somali Young Adult Experiences With the U.S. Health Care System

“…Over the course of our analysis, participants frequently voiced experiences with intersecting and overlapping identifications and how these identifications informed their experiences in the United States. With this in mind, we employed intersectionality as a central analytic framework to examine how participants voiced their experiences as they connected to broader social processes of racism, classism, and neoliberalism (Kassam et al, 2020). A primary goal in our application of intersectionality was to elucidate power relations within these broader social processes, which were manifested at the intersections of participants’ multiple identifications (Hankivsky & Christoffersen, 2008; Kassam et al, 2020).…”

“…With this in mind, we employed intersectionality as a central analytic framework to examine how participants voiced their experiences as they connected to broader social processes of racism, classism, and neoliberalism (Kassam et al, 2020). A primary goal in our application of intersectionality was to elucidate power relations within these broader social processes, which were manifested at the intersections of participants’ multiple identifications (Hankivsky & Christoffersen, 2008; Kassam et al, 2020). The research team met to discuss key themes related to health care experiences, perceptions of health and experiences of discrimination for negative case analysis and consensus building.…”

Reflecting on the Losses and Gains of an Unorthodox Year

“…This is clearly reflected in the many submissions we have received and published this year focused on the use of grounded theory (cf. Canlas & Karpudewan, 2020;Coşkun, 2020;Kassam et al, 2020;Qureshi & Ü nlü, 2020). Despite her enduring legacy, her continuing insights, kindness, and generosity of spirit will be sorely missed.…”