Intersectionality and Science Identity

Globally, we have seen increasing attention to social justice and racial equity in all areas. Regardless of context, there is a need to consider how cultural and personal identities, including race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status, intersect with each other and with science identities. Many researchers have theorized about the need to view identities from an intersectional approach; this is particularly important when considering science, which has historically been identified with white, male, middle-class ideals and continues to marginalize groups of people based on race, gender, and socioeconomic status. However, many of us are still grappling with questions such as: How do you operationalize intersectionality in science identity research? What does intersectionality look like in different (geographic, educational, or scientific) contexts?

In this session, we will consider intersectionality as an important tool in science identity research. Four researchers will discuss their work in which intersectionality has been used as a theoretical framework, analytical approach, or lens by which to understand science identity and interrogate injustice in science identity development.