Institutionalizing Intersectionality in Europe: INTRODUCING THE THEME

• Published in: International feminist journal of politics 2009-12, Vol.11 (4), p.459-477
• Main Authors: Kantola, Johanna, Nousiainen, Kevät
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: anti-discrimination; Discrimination; Equality; equality bodies; equality law; European Union; European Union (EU); intersectionality; Legislation; Policy Making; Policy Reform; Social Inequality; Social Policy
• ISSN: 1461-6742; 1468-4470
• DOI: 10.1080/14616740903237426

This Special Issue analyses the current transformations in anti-discrimination and equality policies in Europe. As a result of the expansion of European Union (EU) law to combat discrimination, a number of European countries have reformed their equality bodies and law. This has resulted in the creation of 'single equality bodies' in, for example, Britain, Norway and some Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs). Part of the argumentation for such reform is based on tackling multiple and intersecting discriminations more effectively. Our aim in this Introduction is to provide theoretical and contextual background for the two key research questions addressed in this Special Issue: in what ways is 'intersectionality' being institutionalized in equality bodies and law in Europe? What political and legal implications does this have for tackling inequalities? In particular, we discuss these pan-European developments in relation to feminist debates on intersectionality. While current legal and institutional innovations seem to provide some answers to the theoretical and practical issues posed by intersectionality, we seek also to highlight the challenges facing ongoing processes in the EU and its member states. Drawing a distinction between 'intersectionality' and 'multiple discrimination' we argue that the EU focuses on the latter, hence favouring anti-discrimination policy as opposed to other measures in furthering equality, thereby narrowing down the debate.