Perspectives on the intersection of race and ethnicity, immigration status, and sexual and gender minoritised status among clinical and scientific workforces in Latin America

Abstract

Latin America is a highly diverse region comprised of populations with multiple intersecting identities. In this paper, we explore how race and ethnicity, immigration status, and sexual and gender minoritised status combine to affect entry into and advancement within clinical and scientific workforces in Latin America. Drawing upon intersectionality theory and existing evidence, we explain how individuals with multiple marginalised identities are particularly disadvantaged in accessing high-level positions and face barriers such as discrimination, poverty, and statistical omission. We also discuss that increasing diversity in the clinical and scientific workforces will likely benefit from system-level changes addressing educational and workplace inequality, creating mentorship opportunities, designing educational campaigns to reduce stigma and discrimination, and improving survey measures to better understand the diversity of populations. Prioritising diversity and inclusion in the clinical and scientific workforces can improve research and healthcare delivery, ultimately reducing existing economic and health inequities in the region.