Abstract
Queer theory and intersectionality theory have emerged as prominent paradigms guiding decisions for research design and methodology in educational research. Despite their increasing prominence and implementation in educational research, applying these paradigms can result in confusion and conflation without understanding their unique distinctions. Additionally, queer theory and intersectionality theory each carry their own legacies, predecessors, and philosophical underpinnings. Queer theory primarily focuses on disrupting the restrictions associated with binaries and identity categories, whereas intersectionality theory involves an examination of social identities (e.g., race, sexuality, gender identity) and intersections to understand power relations and inequities. With an overarching introduction to queer theory and intersectionality theory as two distinct paradigms, this chapter involves the following goals: (a) explain key aspects of queer theory and intersectionality theory as distinct paradigms; (b) identify differences between queer theory and intersectionality theory; and (c) provide recommendations for understanding paradigmatic differences in research.
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Recommended Readings
Recommended Readings
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Ahmed, S. (2006). Queer phenomenology: Orientations, objects, others. Durham, NC: Duke University Press.
This book is useful for deconstructing lived experience influenced by contextual factors within phenomenological approaches and methods rather than associating with realities associated with identities.
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Browne, K., & Nash, C. J. (Eds.). (2010). Queer methods and methodologies: Intersecting queer theories and social science research. Abingdon, UK: Ashgate Publishing.
This book provides multiple perspectives reflecting the implementation of queer theory in research. Researchers may find the text useful to assist with conceptualizing queer methods in their research design.
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Collins, P. H., & Bilge, S. (2016). Intersectionality. Malden, MA: Polity Press.
This book offers an accessible description of principles, histories, and philosophies used to understand intersectionality. The text involves practices and movements associated with intersectionality to inform the conceptualization of intersectionality in practice, scholarship, and research.
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Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the intersection of race and sex: A Black feminist critique of antidiscrimination doctrine, feminist theory and antiracist politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 1989(1), 139–167.
This article is a seminal contribution by Crenshaw as a major contributor to intersectionality scholarship. Researchers can use this article to inform historical context surrounding approaches involved in intersectionality.
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Grzanka, P. R. (Ed.). (2014). Intersectionality: A foundations and frontiers reader (1st ed.). New York, NY: Westview Press.
This book provides several different viewpoints on intersectionality as a paradigm. The text involves discussions surrounding philosophical underpinnings and implementation for specific research methods.
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Hancock, A.-M. (2016). Intersectionality: An intellectual history. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
This book contextualizes the history of intersectionality by showcasing an understanding of its principles and key forerunners.
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Lugg, C. A., & Murphy, J. P. (2014). Thinking whimsically: Queering the study of educational policy-making and politics. International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, 27(9), 1183–1204. https://doi.org/10.1080/09518398.2014.916009
This journal article reflects an application of queer theory, including underlying principles, to educational policy. Researchers might find the article useful for their understanding and foundation of principles informing the use of queer theory.
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Chan, C.D., Steen, S., Howard, L.C., Ali, A.I. (2019). Disentangling the Complexities of Queer Theory and Intersectionality Theory: Research Paradigms and Insights for Social Justice. In: Strunk, K.K., Locke, L.A. (eds) Research Methods for Social Justice and Equity in Education. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-05900-2_5
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