Youth Leadership and Intersectionality: Which Youth Have a Say in School Decision-Making?

Abstract

Research has shown that youth participation in school decision-making is hindered by both racism and adultism. However, less is known about the implications of intersecting forms of injustice for youth leadership to advance social justice. We address this area using the lens of intersectionality in a qualitative study of youth leadership at a school in an urban area. Our findings point to the complexity of representation in youth leadership, considering the intersections of not only age and race but also disability and language. Ultimately, our research indicates that efforts to increase youth influence should consider intersectionality.