Intersectionality

Jenny K. Rodriguez

Chapter 23 in Theories and Concepts in Work and Employment Relations, 2025, pp 201-210 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: How can intersectionality help us to theorise dynamics of work and employment relations? In this chapter, I discuss the potential of intersectionality to help us advance our understanding of the complex configurations that result from the relationship between multiple identities, social locations and hierarchies of power, and how these play out in dynamics of work and employment relations. The chapter starts by introducing intersectionality, its roots and key propositions, highlighting its groundbreaking influence in promoting multiple-axis thinking to understand inequality. The chapter then focuses on showing the theoretical and methodological potential of intersectionality to help us to advance understanding of inequalities in work and employment relations by engaging with nuanced questions about systems of domination, how they operate and how they are perpetuated. It does so by explaining trends in its use in work and employment to then elaborate on three examples of works that adopt an intersectional approach in the field of work and employment relations. These works show the importance of (a) engaging with contextual and institutional articulations of intersectionality, (b) linking intersectional identities to social hierarchies to understand the interplay between life and work experiences, (c) understanding how the complexity of multiple oppressions complicates ideas of collective identity based on economic interests, and (d) embedding intersectionality in researcher reflexivity. The chapter closes by acknowledging some critiques of intersectionality and setting future directions for research in work and employment relations adopting intersectionality.

Keywords: Intersectionality; Multiple social identities; Privilege; Disadvantage; Employment relations; Work (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035316199
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