Intersectional insights and frameworks are put into practice in a multitude of highly contested, complex, and unpredictable ways. We group such engagements with intersectionality into three loosely defined sets of practices: applications of an intersectional framework or investigations of intersectional dynamics; debates about the scope and content of intersectionality as a theoretical and methodological paradigm; and political interventions employing an intersectional lens. We propose a template for fusing these three levels of engagement with intersectionality into a field of intersectional studies that emphasizes collaboration and literacy rather than unity. Our objective here is not to offer pat resolutions to all questions about intersectional approaches but to spark further inquiry into the dynamics of intersectionality both as an academic frame and as a practical intervention in a world characterized by extreme inequalities. At the same time, we wish to zero in on some issues that we believ...

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Toward a Field of Intersectionality Studies: Theory, Applications, and Praxis

Since its inception, the concept of `intersectionality' — the interaction of multiple identities and experiences of exclusion and subordination — has been heralded as one of the most important cont...

Intersectionality as buzzword A sociology of science perspective on what makes a feminist theory successful

Abstract Information is a source of power in the planning process. This article begins by assessing five perspectives of the planner's use of information: those of the technician, the incremental pragmatist, the liberal advocate, the structuralist, and the “progressive.” Then several types of misinformation (inevitable or unnecessary, ad hoc or systematic) are distinguished in a reformulation of bounded rationality in planning, and practical responses by planning staff are identified. The role and ethics of planners acting as sources of misinformation are considered. In practice planners work in the face of power manifest as the social and political (mis)-man-agement of citizens' knowledge, consent, trust, and attention. Seeking to enable planners to anticipate and counteract sources of misinformation threatening public serving, democratic planning processes, the article clarifies a practical and politically sensitive form of “progressive” planning practice.

Planning in the Face of Power.

Symposium Review: 25th Anniversary of Moral Boundaries by Joan Tronto

In this innovative approach to the practice of social science, Charles Ragin explores the use of fuzzy sets to bridge the divide between quantitative and qualitative methods. Paradoxically, the fuzzy set is a powerful tool because it replaces an unwieldy, "fuzzy" instrument—the variable, which establishes only the positions of cases relative to each other, with a precise one—degree of membership in a well-defined set. Ragin argues that fuzzy sets allow a far richer dialogue between ideas and evidence in social research than previously possible. They let quantitative researchers abandon "homogenizing assumptions" about cases and causes, they extend diversity-oriented research strategies, and they provide a powerful connection between theory and data analysis. Most important, fuzzy sets can be carefully tailored to fit evolving theoretical concepts, sharpening quantitative tools with in-depth knowledge gained through qualitative, case-oriented inquiry. This book will revolutionize research methods not only in sociology, political science, and anthropology but in any field of inquiry dealing with complex patterns of causation.

Fuzzy-Set Social Science

The European Union (EU), a pioneer in gender equality policies, is moving from predominantly attending to gender inequality, towards policies that address multiple inequalities. This article argues that there are tendencies at EU level to assume an unquestioned similarity of inequalities, to fail to address the structural level and to fuel the political competition between inequalities. Based upon a comparison of specific sets of inequalities (class, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender), this article explores where and how structural and political intersectionality might be relevant. It argues that a ‘one size fits all' approach to addressing multiple discrimination is based on an incorrect assumption of sameness or equivalence of the social categories connected to inequalities and of the mechanisms and processes that constitute them. Focusing on similarities ignores the differentiated character and dynamics of inequalities. It also overlooks the political dimension of equality goals. Moreover, it has become clear that attention to structural mechanisms and to the role of the state and the private sphere in reproducing inequalities is much needed. The final part of the article presents constructive ideas for a more comprehensive way of addressing multiple inequalities.

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Multiple Inequalities, Intersectionality and the European Union:

1. Stretching and Bending Gender Equality: A Discursive Politics Approach Emanuela Lombardo, Petra Meier and Mieke Verloo 2. The Issue of Intentionality in Frame Theory: The Need for Reflexive Framing Carol Bacchi 3. Beyond the Politics of Location: The Power of Argument in Gender Equality Politics Sylvia Walby 4. Stretching and Bending the Meanings of Gender in Equality Policies Vlasta Jalusic 5. Stretching Gender Equality to other Inequalities: Political Intersectionality in European Gender Equality Policies Emanuela Lombardo and Mieke Verloo 6. Inequality, Intersectionality and the Politics of Discourse: Framing Feminist Alliances Myra Marx Ferree 7. Bending Towards Growth: Discursive Constructions of Gender Equality in an Era of Governance and Neoliberalism Malin Ronnblom 8. Trading-in Gender Equality: Gendered Meanings in EU Trade Policy Jacqui True 9. Stretching, Bending, and Inconsistency in Policy Frames on Gender Equality: Discursive Windows of Opportunity Emanuela Lombardo and Petra Meier 10. Grounding Policy Evaluation in a Discursive Understanding of Politics Maria Bustelo and Mieke Verloo 11. The Discursive Logic of Ranking and Benchmarking: Understanding Gender Equality Measures in the European Union Mieke Verloo and Anna van der Vleuten 12. Conclusions: A Critical Understanding of the Discursive Politics of Gender Equality Emanuela Lombardo, Petra Meier and Mieke Verloo

The Discursive Politics of Gender Equality Stretching, Bending and Policy-Making

This book aims to map the diversity of meanings of gender equality across Europe and reflects on the contested concept of gender equality. In its exploration of the diverse meanings of gender equality it not only takes into account the existence of different visions of gender equality, and the way in which different political and theoretical debates crosscut these visions, but also reflects upon the geographical contexts in which the visions and debates over gender equality are located. The visions of inclusion, reversal, and displacement set the theoretical background for the emerging of a multiplicity of feminist political debates, of which we have singled out those concerning what is the relation of gender with other inequalities, who has a voice to frame gender issues in the political arena, and how can the political be defined, particularly in relation to the public/private dichotomy. The contextual locations where these visions and debates take place include the European Union and member states such as Austria, the Netherlands, Hungary, Slovenia, Greece, and Spain. In all of these settings, the different meanings of gender equality are explored comparatively in relation to the issues of family policies, domestic violence, and gender inequality in politics, while specific national contexts discuss the issues of prostitution (Austria and Slovenia), migration (the Netherlands and Greece), homosexual rights (Spain), and anti-discrimination (Hungary). These were all case studies that were part of the European project MAGEEQ (Policy Frames and Implementation Problems: The Case of Gender Mainstreaming), where research for this book has been conducted.1

Contested Gender Equality and Policy Variety in Europe: Introducing a Critical Frame Analysis Approach

This article analyzes implementation problems in gender mainstreaming as
accentuated by a multi-level setting and assumes that one of the major factors
affecting implementation problems is a discursive one. Against this backdrop a
methodological approach is presented to study such divergences in policy frames on
gender equality. Based upon recent literature, the article first outlines the necessity
for a comparative methodology to analyze (gender equality) policy frames, and
identifies some major problems in the construction of such methodology. The article
then presents and explains Critical Frame Analysis as a promising methodological
approach for studying and comparing the framing of gender inequality as a policy
problem across Europe in a systematic way. Critical Frame Analysis builds upon
social movement theory, gender theory and policy theory. This article can be
considered to be an introduction to the special issue, as all articles refer to Critical
Frame Analysis methodology as it has been used in the MAGEEQ research project.

Mainstreaming gender equality in Europe. A critical frame analysis

This book aims to map the diversity of meanings of gender equality across Europe and reflects on the contested concept of gender equality. In its exploration of the diverse meanings of gender equality it not only takes into account the existence of different visions of gender equality, and the way in which different political and theoretical debates crosscut these visions, but also reflects upon the geographical contexts in which visions and debates over gender equality are located. The contextual locations where these visions and debates take place include the European Union and member states such as Austria, the Netherlands, Hungary, Slovenia, Greece, and Spain. In all of these settings, the different meanings of gender equality are explored comparatively in relation to the issues of family policies, domestic violence, and gender inequality in politics, while specific national contexts discuss the issues of prostitution (Austria, Slovenia), migration (the Netherlands), homosexual rights (Spain), and antidiscrimination (Hungary). The multiple meanings of gender equality are studied through Critical Frame Analysis, a methodology that builds on social movement theory and that was refined further with elements of gender and political theory within the context of the MAGEEQ research project (http://www.mageeq.net).

The policy frames analyzed express particular representations of what the problem of gender inequality is and what the solution could be. They also include traces about how gender and other inequalities are conceptualized; who has/should have a voice in the framing of gender equality problems and solutions; for whom is gender inequality seen to be a problem; who is represented as the normative group; and who are the target groups of the policy measures proposed. In the discussion of the different ways of framing gender equality in Europe, each chapter will provide insights on the ongoing theoretical and political debate about "what is gender equality?", disclosing the visions, debates, and contexts that move around and contribute to shape such a complex and contested concept.

Mieke Verloo

Papers

Multiple Inequalities, Intersectionality and the European Union:

The Discursive Politics of Gender Equality Stretching, Bending and Policy-Making

Contested Gender Equality and Policy Variety in Europe: Introducing a Critical Frame Analysis Approach

Mainstreaming gender equality in Europe. A critical frame analysis

Multiple Meanings of Gender Equality: A critical frame analysis of gender policies in Europe