Mapping the Future of Intersectional Research in Human Resource Development: An Integrated Literature Review

Abstract

This study critically reviews intersectional research (IR) published in the Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD) journals and presents a framework for future work in IR. First, we identified 10 IR approaches from previous literature and classified them into four perspectives: conceptual, category-based, alternative philosophy-based, and alternative analysis-based perspectives. Utilizing the framework, we found that the majority of IR in HRD has (a) drawn on an intra-categorical approach, (b) focused on the intersection of gender and race, (c) centered on the United States context, and (d) depended on qualitative research methodology. We also examined the IR trends in HRD over time and observed that IR has recently incorporated more diverse approaches and identities and has explored some non-US contexts. To advance IR and better understand the complexity of intersectionality at work, future research needs to continue diversifying research approaches, methods, subjects, and contexts.