Book Launch and Author Meets Critics: The Politics of Intersectional Practice: Representation, Coalition and Solidarity in UK NGOs

Abstract

This panel will launch and discuss the book The Politics of Intersectional Practice: Representation, Coalition and Solidarity in UK NGOs by Ashlee Christoffersen, published by Bristol University Press in May 2024. The book is based upon Ashlee’s PhD thesis, which won the 2021 European Consortium for Political Research Joni Lovenduski PhD Prize in Gender and Politics, awarded at ECPG in 2022. Book abstract: This is the first book to explore how both practitioners and policymakers understand how to operationalise the Black feminist theory of ‘intersectionality’ – and with what effect. It is also the first to explore how intersectionality has been applied in practice in the UK – an important case study since its internationally unique unification of equality legislation and architecture creates opportunities to consider the interactions of inequalities. Focusing on non-governmental racial justice, feminist, LGBTQI+, migrants’ and disability rights organizations (NGOs), the book demonstrates that there is not one, but five, applied meanings given to ‘intersectionality’ in equality organizing and policy. This is an integral insight because some of these advance intersectional justice and are politically transformative, while others in spite of being named as ‘intersectionality’ actually serve to further entrench inequalities. Intersectional practice is about a)representation (not only who is represented, but also whether and how to represent), and b)coalition and solidarity, and conflicts around each are driven by these competing concepts of intersectionality; in other words, competing concepts are at the heart of the politics of who does intersectionality, and how. Intersectionality’s operationalization necessitates a focus on common issues and intersectionally marginalized identities, including emergent ones. NGOs can build greater unity through developing shared understandings of intersectionality, and work to balance acting in solidarity while prioritizing the agency of those who are intersectionally marginalized.

Title	Details
Panellist: Ashlee Christoffersen	View Paper Details
Panellist: Orly Siow	View Paper Details
Panellist: Fernando Tormos-Aponte	View Paper Details
Panellist: Mieke Verloo	View Paper Details
Panellist: Zakiya Luna	View Paper Details