The Making of a Critical Practitioner/Activist

Applying an intersectionality framework to health services research.

“…Research, and health services research in particular, has a long history of not considering the role of power in the various phenomenon we examine. At its best, an intersectionality framework can be employed to transform oppressive systems, as opposed to merely ameliorating them (Prilleltensky & Nelson, 2009). Once we acknowledge the rootedness of research in European imperialism and colonialism, we must engage intersectionality as an emancipatory practice (Smith, 1999).…”

“…Applying intersectionality in your own work requires deliberate thought and action that can manifest in some of the following ways: Practice self-awareness and accountability: In practice, research, and advocacy, we must consider how power relations can be changed so the social problems created by oppressive systems no longer exist (P. Collins, 2019; Prilleltensky & Nelson, 2009). Intersectionality calls on us to engage in our work in a way that aims to eliminate health inequities.…”