Thursday, June 3
1:30-3:30pm EST
Title: Intersectionality as a Lens in Qualitative Research: Possibilities, Problems, and Practices
Abstract: In this two-hour keynote/workshop we plan to engage the audience in a consideration of the possibilities, problems, and practices of using intersectionality as a lens in qualitative research. As an analytic framework, intersectionality continues to gain traction across academic disciplines, including higher education, due to its potential to illuminate the complexities of the human experience, particularly with an emphasis on the influence of systems of marginalization and oppression. However, with this increase in popularity has come mis-use and misappropriation of the term and a turn away from the historical origins of intersectionality which insist upon a focus on structures and power-based analyses rather than individuals (Duran & Jones, 2019; Harris & Patton, 2018). As captured by the term “intersectionality wars” (Nash, 2017, p. 117), debate continues about a number of questions related to intersectionality (Harris & Patton, 2018). Among others, these questions include: what is intersectionality and what is it intended to do? (Carbado et al., 2013; Collins, 2019); who is intersectional and to whom does intersectionality apply? (Collins, 2011; Nash, 2008); and how might intersectionality be applied in research (Duran & Jones, 2019; Hancock, 2007). All of these questions point to the need to be good stewards of intersectionality in research (Moradi & Grzanka, 2017).
In this session we will provide an overview of core constructs of intersectionality with an emphasis on the possibilities, problems, and practices intersectionality offers researchers. We will provide examples of several studies that have applied intersectionality in their designs and analyses. In the workshop portion of the session we will focus on the practical implications of applying intersectionality in qualitative research by examining different elements of a research design and how an intersectional approach might shape these. For example, what are sampling implications? How does one write intersectional interview questions? What analytic strategies are used when conducting intersectional research? What ethical considerations should be anticipated? And how does the researcher situate themselves within intersectional research? In an interactive way, we plan to involve participants in both discussions of these questions as well as opportunities to engage in the practicalities of designing studies applying intersectionality.
Presenter:
Dr. Antonio Duran
Assistant Professor, Higher Education Administration
Auburn University
Biography:
Antonio Duran, PhD (he/him/el) is an Assistant Professor in the Administration of Higher Education program at Auburn University. Dr. Duran received his B.A. in English and American Literature from New York University, his M.S. in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Miami University, and his Ph.D. in Higher Education and Student Affairs from The Ohio State University. His research explores how historical and contemporary legacies of oppression inform college student development and experiences. He is often interested in how systems such as racism, heterosexism, and trans oppression shape how those with multiple minoritized identities navigate college campuses.
Namely, Dr. Duran leverages theoretical frameworks (e.g., intersectionality, queer of color critique) originating outside of educational disciplines to engage in this critical work. As a qualitative researcher, he seeks to understand the potential of these frameworks to inform research and practice within higher education settings. Dr. Duran has written alongside other scholars about how to engage with critical and poststructural schools of thought in educational scholarship, as well as in practice. His research has been published in venues such as the International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, Journal of Diversity in Higher Education, and Journal of College Student Development.
For more information visit Dr. Duran’s Twitter and Instagram @antonioduran14.
