Workshop report: Intersecting identities—gender and intersectionality in physics

Abstract

The concept of intersectionality refers to how our various social identities (e.g., gender, race, class) overlap to create power, privilege, or marginalization. We report on a workshop held at the International Conference for Women in Physics, where physicists discussed equity in physics through an intersectional lens. The workshop content was informed by data from around the world and research from the social sciences. The workshop had a total of three sessions, was designed to be highly participatory, and included interactive group activities and extensive discussions. From the discussions that took place, several recommendations emerged for IUPAP, for the IUPAP Working Group 5 (WG5) and for the country team leaders of the ICWIP conferences. Recommendations included addressing intersectionality in IUPAP policies and initiatives, and encouraging further collaboration with social scientists.The concept of intersectionality refers to how our various social identities (e.g., gender, race, class) overlap to create power, privilege, or marginalization. We report on a workshop held at the International Conference for Women in Physics, where physicists discussed equity in physics through an intersectional lens. The workshop content was informed by data from around the world and research from the social sciences. The workshop had a total of three sessions, was designed to be highly participatory, and included interactive group activities and extensive discussions. From the discussions that took place, several recommendations emerged for IUPAP, for the IUPAP Working Group 5 (WG5) and for the country team leaders of the ICWIP conferences. Recommendations included addressing intersectionality in IUPAP policies and initiatives, and encouraging further collaboration with social scientists.