Thinking intersectionally and why difference (still) matters in feminist leisure and sport research

Abstract

This chapter examines methodological practice in feminist leisure and sport scholarship underpinned by a view of “thinking intersectionally”. Despite an increase in publications detailing and/or engaging intersectionality over recent years across social science research more broadly, intersectionality is not yet prevalent in leisure and sport scholarship. Black feminist perspectives are central to informing discussion on the challenges of researching difference and inequalities. The potential and possible ways of thinking intersectionally for future research engagement are explored, drawing on examples from the author’s feminist leisure research practice. The contexts of space and embodiment, as significant aspects of thinking intersectionally, along with ongoing feminist debates regarding reflexivity and insider-outsider issues, are given consideration in relation to how we identify the overall context of our research as well as the multiple contexts within which our research is carried out.