Translating the theory of intersectionality into quantitative and mixed methods for empirical gender transformative research on health

Abstract

Intersectionality theory has been used primarily in legal research to provide a framework for understanding the experiences of populations situated within multiple systems of oppression, particularly in relation to anti-discrimination law and gender-based violence. Gender transformative approaches to health seek to move beyond individual-level change and instead centre on restructuring the power relationships that create and maintain gender inequalities. Intersectionality theory is well-suited for the study of gender transformation on health, but there is a lack of consensus on clearly defined intersectional methodology in the field of public health, particularly for quantitative studies. Because qualitative methodologies are well-developed and employed with regularity for intersectional health research, the objective of this paper is to describe innovative quantitative and mixed methods approaches underutilised in public health and provide researchers examples of how to design a study's methodology to adequately address intersectional research questions. The proposed methods provide a toolkit for the investigation of complex interactions across multiple levels, which may offer insight into effective points of intervention to reduce disparities, strengthen larger social movements, and ultimately alter structural and policy contexts. Despite challenges posed by the theory, intersectional approaches may be the key to addressing persistent inequalities that limit gender transformation.

Variations in Processes of Care and Outcomes for Hospitalized General Medicine Patients Treated by Female vs Male Physicians

“…Using a more intersectional lens would better capture the complexities of physician identity and its role in patient care. 73 …”

“…Using a more intersectional lens would better capture the complexities of physician identity and its role in patient care. 73 This study was also limited in its generalizability, as the care was provided by 172 physicians in 1 region in Canada. Although these data may not be representative of Canadian hospitals at large, our analysis did include GIM and hospitalist physicians working at both academic and community hospitals in urban and suburban areas.…”

Measurement of gender as a social determinant of health in epidemiology—A scoping review

“…Such endeavor has the potential to move research from gender-sensitive terrain to gender-transformative action, which is in line with intersectional approaches seeking social change. Beyond the acknowledgement of gender differences in gender sensitive approaches, scholars have indeed been calling for years for gender transformative research that aims to challenge “existing gender norms and power structures to reduce gender inequities while also accounting for how other embodied and ascribed identities influence these norms”,[ 23 ] and “seek to move beyond individual-level change and instead centre on restructuring the power relationships that create and maintain gender inequalities” [ 7 ]. Especially researchers in the field of health promotion have investigated the potential of gender-transformative interventions [ 24 – 26 ].…”

Gender, justice and empowerment: creating the world we want to see

“…In the final paper, Fehrenbacher and Patel note an important gap in the application of quantitative research approaches to explaining gender transformation ( Fehrenbacher and Patel 2019 ). Indeed, nearly every paper in this Special Issue use traditional qualitative methodologies.…”

“…Several theories underpin the work featured in this Special Issue. Multiple papers draw upon Connell’s gender theory as a guiding framework ( Chantelois-Kashal, Apenem Dagadu, and Gardsbane 2019 ; Conroy, Ruark, and Tan 2020 ; Fehrenbacher and Patel 2019 ). Familiar to many readers of Culture, Health & Sexuality , Connell’s application of the notion of hegemonic masculinity has been a pivotal means for explaining how gender norms are created and reproduced ( Connell 1985 , Connell 2014 ; Connell and Messerschmidt 2005 ).…”