What can we learn from disability policy to advance our understanding of how to operationalise intersectionality in Australian policy frameworks?

Abstract

Intersectional theory recognises inequity is rarely the result of one social identity; social identities, and their interaction with context and power relations, offer some protective factors, while marginalises others. Taking an intersectional approach to social policy has the potential to provide deeper insights in terms of identifying and responding to needs, and understanding the impact of policies and specific interventions for diverse people. While Australian social policies, such as national strategies, are beginning to recognise inequity is likely to be higher for some social identities than others, a recent review of Australian policy and how it responds to people with disability suggests policies do not yet appear to take an intersectional approach. Drawing on this review, we discuss the challenges in operationalising intersectionality, explore how they may be overcome, and identify considerations for scholars and future research opportunities to advance our understanding of how to operationalise intersectionality in social policy in Australia. We suggest intersectionality requires a broader cultural shift across society and professions to recognise people have multiple identities, statuses, and life circumstances, and the way they interact with the context and power relations affects how they experience life. Intersectionality recognises the interaction between social identities, context, and power relations. The research note aims to advance our understanding of how to operationalise intersectionality in Australian social policy. This note builds on a review of Australian policy frameworks and whether they take an intersectional approach to addressing disability. The research note identifies considerations for researchers and research opportunities. A broader cultural shift across society is required to recognise how different factors affect how people experience life.