Intersectionality in action: learnings from development research in the Global South

Abstract

While intersectionality holds much promise for recognising and addressing multiple forms of inequality and driving social change, it remains underused–and often depoliticised–in development research. As its uptake has been growing, concerns have emerged that decontextualised applications of the concept will dilute its transformative potential. This article examines these debates from a Global South perspective and explores the opportunities and challenges of operationalising intersectionality in research and praxis. Drawing on International Development Research Centre (IDRC)-funded studies and collaborations with southern organisations, we identify three principles for generating intersectional insights. Our analysis highlights synergies and tensions with other transformative methodologies and argues that southern perspectives are essential to sustaining intersectionality’s political force and transformative potential.