Understanding Intersectionality through Subjective Experiences of Privilege and Oppression
Amy Voltmer (Author), Regent University School of Psychology & Counseling (Degree granting institution)
Redressing the historical dearth of diverse perspectives within psychology presents a central concern in research, one that continues to challenge traditional methods of investigation. Intersectionality is a crucial yet underdeveloped framework that outlines how identity variables interact to create unique categories of experience. The current study discusses a theoretical framework for intersectionality, building on previous theories on the mechanisms of intersectionality. Additionally, this study utilized a mixed-methods approach to explore the epistemological abilities and limits of a novel scale of intersectionality, titled Intersectional Experiences of Privilege and Oppression (IEPO) scale. Qualitative and quantitative measures of intersectionality were administered to current or recently graduated university students from the United States, Indonesia, and Jordan. Qualitative questions were designed based on previous qualitative approaches to measuring intersectionality (i.e. Bowleg, 2008) and corresponded to the subscales of the Intersectional Experiences of Privilege and Oppression scale. Qualitative responses were analyzed using Consensual Qualitative Analysis, while quantitative data was analyzed using a cross-tabulation with chi-square analysis. Results of qualitative and quantitative analysis were compared to identify the ways in which each investigative method added unique and converging epistemological value (Bowleg, 2008). Results of the analyses indicated significant differences in response patterns based on national origin. Further, gender differences in intersectional identity and experiences of privilege and oppression were identified. Future directions for scale development and international intersectionality research are discussed
Thesis, Dissertation, English, 2018
ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, Ann Arbor, 2018