Evaluating Claims of Intersectionality

Abstract

Over the last forty years, scholars have adopted many different approaches to studying intersectionality. A common refrain in the literature is that one cannot evaluate the implications of an intersectional theory with an interaction model. In this article, we demonstrate that a large class of claims regarding intersectionality, whether quantitative or qualitative in nature, can only be evaluated within an interactive framework. There is some uncertainty among those who adopt quantitative methods in their intersectional research about how interaction models work. In addition to outlining the necessary evidence to support claims of intersectionality, we provide useful advice on how to appropriately specify and interpret interaction models to better evaluate these types of claims. We believe that considerable progress can be made in our empirical and theoretical understanding of intersectionality if scholars follow the advice provided in this article.

Non-Linear Treatment Effects, Distributions and Interactions

“…Second, an alternative that can be found in the literature is to simply discretize the treatment and moderator variables to obtain exhaustive, mutually-exclusive groups and then use an intersectionality approach to interpret the results, following for instance, Block Jr, Golder, and Golder (2023). For example, Jensen and Wiedemann (2023) study how income and wealth interact shaping political preferences.…”

The Democratic Majority and the 2016 American Presidential Election: Feminist Political Behavior Across Multiple Axes of Identity

“…To examine and compare the range of effects possible within an intersectional frame fosters a better understanding of the nuanced ways in which social categories are linked to certain political behaviors (or lack thereof) for subgroups of women, especially feminists. Given the tendency to talk about gender inequality as separate from inequality based on race and ethnicity, we often miss how women and especially feminists are subject to all of these, and their political experience is not just the sum of their parts (Block, Golder, and Golder 2023). To self-identify as "feminist" is to perceive a sense of belonging to the group and to recognize the unequal distribution of wealth and power resources in accordance with a complex matrix of oppression (Conover 1988;Cook 1989;Collins 2000;Elder, Greene, and Lizotte 2021;Fulenwider 1980;Gurin 1985;Klein 1984;Wilcox 1990;1997;Simien 2006).…”