Intersectionality in the practice of mixed methods gender research

Abstract

In this paper I show how to apply intersectionality concepts in the design of empirical research combining quantitative and qualitative methods. I argue that intersectionality concepts can serve as an analytical approach enabling the integration of time and space dimensions, which is key in order to avoid fragmentations or biases from quantitative and qualitative methods. As an example I use my previous research to reformulate a research design for the analysis of the impact of gender and education in the transnational professionalization of IT work. I suggest that the application of intersectionality concepts enriches the practice of mixed research methods as well as the research of gender and work, particularly the transformation of work in digitalizing and globalizing societies. Emphasizing the importance of the research question in methodological decisions, the intersectionality approach can be flexibly adapted to include time and space dimensions, in order to improve gender research in multiple areas of social inquiry.