Abstract
Since its inception 30 years ago, the concept of intersectionality has been taken up in disciplines across the social sciences. This chapter explores the question of what it may mean for feminist social science if intersectionality travels to the social sciences primarily through projects in the disciplinary mainstream, that is, those that do not threaten disciplinary norms. It concludes with suggestions for how those who practice “good” intersectionality can open doors for work that is more boldly interdisciplinary or more congruent with intersectionality’s social justice commitment. Along the way, the author reflects critically on her own experiences in navigating this tension.
Thanks to Patrick R. Grzanka for helpful comments on an earlier version of this manuscript. Thanks also to Brittney Cooper for her permission to reprint an excerpt from her Facebook post.
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Cole, E.R. (2020). Opening Doors for the Insurgent. In: Fenstermaker, S., Stewart, A.J. (eds) Gender, Considered. Genders and Sexualities in the Social Sciences. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-48501-6_2
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