FACULTY: HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

PROGRAM: MSc CLIMATE CHANGE & SUSTAINABLE

DEVELOPMENT

DEPARTMENT: DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

MODULE: CLIMATE CHANGE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

COURSE CODE: HSCS 6215

LECTURER: DR K. PHIRI

GROUP 3 MEMBERS

1. Chivasa Magret - L0190082K

2. Njabulo M. Dabengwa - L0150998P
3. Mutovhe Ashton - L0141791R
4. Mutadzo Florence - L02337301E
5. Mbulelo Mthupha - L0237747U
6. Dube Nothando - L0237841S
7. Gugulethu Ncube - L0237862P
8. Anele Masina - L0180557A

QUESTION:

The importance of the Intersectionality perspective / lens in understanding / addressing

climate justice.

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 INTRODUCTION

Intersectionality theory, first coined in 1989 by American civil rights advocate and scholar
Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw, is a framework that examines the complex ways in which
different forms of discrimination and inequality intersect and overlap with each other. The theory
posits that people's experiences of oppression are shaped by multiple social identities and
systems of oppression, such as race, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion and ability among
others. These identities do not exist independently but rather interact in complex ways, creating a
convergence of oppression.

The essence of intersectionality is the recognition that everyone has unique experiences of
discrimination and oppression and that these experiences are influenced by a combination of
factors including but not limited to gender, race, class, sexual orientation and physical ability.
This perspective emphasizes the importance of considering all aspects that can marginalize
individuals, asserting that oppression is not just a singular issue but a multifaceted one that
intersects with many aspects of social location. Intersectionality as postulated by Verlie B (2022)
operates as both a tool for observing and analyzing power imbalances and a means to address
and potentially eliminate these imbalances. It challenges the notion that issues of oppression can
be addressed independently of each other, suggesting that solutions must take into account the
interconnected nature of social categorizations. It is regarded as a critical framework or approach
that provides the mindset and language to examine interconnections and interdependencies
between social categories and systems.

Intersectionality has gained significant attention, particularly in the context of women's rights, as
it highlights the unique challenges and experiences of marginalized groups. It underscores the
importance of diversity in leadership and teams, ensuring that the voices and experiences of the
most marginalized are heard and considered in efforts to address discrimination and oppression.

As articulated by Hancock (2016), intersectionality is a critical framework that provides us with

the mindset and language for examining interconnections and interdependencies between social
categories and systems. Intersectionality enhances analytical sophistication and offers theoretical
explanations of the ways in which heterogeneous members of specific groups such as women
might experience the workplace differently depending on their ethnicity, sexual orientation,
and/or class and other social locations. Sensitivity to such differences enhances insight into

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issues of social justice and inequality in organizations and other institutions, thus maximizing the
chance of social change.

The concept of intersectional locations emerged from the racialized experiences of minority
ethnic women in the United States. Intersectional thinking has gained increased prominence in
business and management studies, particularly in critical organization studies. A predominant
focus in this field is on individual subjectivities at intersectional locations like examining the
occupational identities of minority ethnic women. This emphasis on individuals’ experiences and
within-group differences has been described variously as “content specialization” or an
“intracategorical approach.” An alternate focus in business and management studies is on
highlighting systematic dynamics of power.

As a critical theory, intersectionality conceptualizes knowledge as situated, contextual, relational

and reflective of political and economic power. Intersectionality tends to be associated with
qualitative research methods due to the central role of giving voice, elicited through focus
groups, narrative interviews, action research, and observations. It is also utilized as a
methodological tool for conducting qualitative research, such as by researchers adopting an
intersectional reflexivity mindset and increasingly associated with quantitative and statistical
methods, which contribute to intersectionality by helping us understand and interpret the
individual, combined effects of various categories in a given context. Future considerations for
intersectionality theory and practice include managing its broad applicability while attending to
its sociopolitical and emancipatory aims and theoretically advancing understanding of the
simultaneous forces of privilege and penalty in the workplace.

DISSECTING INTERSECTIONALITY

According to the United Nations (2000) presents intersectionality as a concept to capture the
structural and dynamic consequences of the interaction between two or more forms of
discrimination or systems of subordination. Rodriguez et. al, (2016) cite sources variously
referring to intersectionality as a metaphor, a way of thinking about identity and power. These
numerous conceptualizations could attest to the flexibility, breadth, and complexity of the term
on one hand, but also reflect its status as a relatively recent conceptual framework. The
assumption recognizes that people are characterized simultaneously by their membership in

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multiple social categories thus gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, able-bodiedness to
mention but a few. Fault lines split teams into relatively homogeneous subgroups, which can
increase team conflict and impede performance (Bezrukova, et al 2016; Thatcher, Jehn, &
Zanutto, 2003). Another assumption is that underlying definitions of intersectionality is that,
embedded within each socially constructed category, is a dynamic related to power and power
interrelations. This makes attention to power an essential component of intersectional analyses.

In addition, Else-Quest and Hyde (2016), assumed that all social categories have individual and
contextual facets to them. That is, social categories are intrinsically linked to personal identities,
as well as to wider institutional processes/practices and structural systems. The entwined
personal and structural implications of intersectional thinking thus render the meaning and
experiences relating to social categories fluid and dynamic. Hulko (2009), advocates the use of
intersectionality as a “lens” or “perspective” to encompass approaches at a relatively narrower,
microscope of examining social identity multiplicity in a manner that is neither additive nor
reductive. McIntosh (2012) posits that Intersectionality “makes clearer the arithmetic of the
various forces the offsetting, ameliorating, intensifying, accumulating, or deepening” impacts of
power in individual lives and in societal structures.

PRINCIPLES OF CLIMATE JUSTICE

Climate justice links human rights and development to achieve a human centered approach,
safeguarding the rights of the most vulnerable and sharing the burdens and benefits of climate
change and its resolution equitably and fairly. Climate justice is informed by science, responds to
science and acknowledges the need for equitable stewardship of the world’s resources. In
seeking through its mission to realize its vision of a world engaged in the delivery of climate
justice, the Mary Robinson Foundation- climate justice dedicates itself to action which will be
informed by the following core principles which it has elaborated.

1. Respect and Protect Human Rights

The international rights framework provides a reservoir fir the supply of legal imperatives with
which to frame morally appropriate responses to climate change, rooted in equality and justice.

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The idea of human rights point societies towards internationally agreed values around which
common action can be negotiated and then acted upon. Human rights yardsticks deliver valuable
minimal thresholds, legally defined, about which there is wide spread consensus. The guarantee
of basic rooted in respect for the dignity of the person which is at the core of this approach
makes it an indispensable foundation for the action of climate justice. Intersectionality provides a
means of conceptualizing that between-group differences stem from multiple and parallel factors.
It also provides a means of examining nuanced and complex within-group comparisons, while
challenging assumptions of within-group homogeneity.

2. Support the Right to Development

The vast gulf in resources between rich and poor, evident in the gap between countries in the
North and south and also within many countries in the deepest injustice of our age. This failure
of resources fairness makes it impossible for billions of humans to lead decent lives, the sort of
life opportunities that a commitment to true equality should make an absolute essential. Climate
change both highlights and exacerbates this gulf in equality. It also provides the world with an
opportunity. Climate change highlights our true interdependence and must lead to a new and
respectful paradigm of sustainable development, based on the urgent need to scale up and
transfer green technologies and to support low carbon climate resilient strategies for the poorest
so that they become part of the combined effort in mitigation and adaptation.

3. Share Benefits and Burdens Equality

The benefits and burdens associated with climate change and its resolution must be fairly
allocated. This involves acceptance of common but differentiated responsibilities and respect
capabilities in relation to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Those who have most
responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions and most capacity to act must cut emissions first.

In addition, Hathaway (2020) reiterated that those who have benefited and still benefit from
emissions in the form of on-going economic development and increased wealth, mainly in
industrialized countries, have an ethical obligation to share benefits with those who are today
suffering from the effects of these emissions, many vulnerable people in developing countries.
People in low-income counties must have access to opportunities to adapt the impacts of climate
change and embrace low carbon development to avoid future environmental change.

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 4. Ensure that Decisions on Climate Change are Participatory, Transparent and
Accountable

The opportunity to participate in decision-making processes which are fair, accountable, open
and corruption-free is essential to the growth of a culture of climate justice. The voices of the
most vulnerable to climate change must be heard and acted upon. A basic of good international
practice is the requirement for transparency in decision-making, and accountability for decisions
that are made. As articulated by Klein (2014), it must be possible to ensure that policy
developments and policy implementation in this field are seen to be informed by an
understanding of the needs of low-income countries in relation to climate justice, and that these
needs are adequately understood and addressed. Decisions on policies with regard to climate
change taken in a range of fora from the UNFCCC to trade, human rights, business, investment
and development must be implemented in a way that is transparent and accountable. Poverty can
never be an alibi for government failure in this sphere.

5. Highlight Gender Equality and Equity

The gender dimension of climate change, and in turn climate justice, must be highlighted. The
impacts of climate changes are different for women and men, with women likely to bear the
greater burden in situations of poverty. Haynes et al (2020) propounded that women’s voices
must be heard and their priorities supported as part of climate justice. In many countries and
cultures, women are at the forefront of living with the reality of the injustices caused by climate
change. They are critically aware of the importance of climate justice in contributing to the right
to development being recognized and can play a vital role as agents of change within their
communities.

6. Harness the Transformative Power of Education for Climate Stewardship

The transformative power of education under-pins other principles, making their successful
adoption more likely and inculcating into cultures a deeper awareness of human rights and
climate justice than is presently to be found. To achieve climate stabilization will necessitate
radical changes in lifestyle and behavior and education has the power to equip future generations
with the skills and knowledge they will need to thrive and survive. As well as being a

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fundamental human right which is already well developed in the international framework of
rights referred to above, education is indispensable to the just society. It draws those in receipt of
it towards a fuller understanding of the world about them, deepening their awareness both of
themselves and of those around them. Gardiner (2010) purported that if the process is done well,
it invites reflection on ethics and justice that make the well-educated also good citizens, both of
their home state and of the world as well.

Delivered in an effective multi-disciplinary school, college or university environmental

education can increase consciousness of climate change, producing new insights not only at the
scientific but also at the sociological and political level. Education is also achievable outside the
formal system, through public and, increasingly, virtual activity. The learning required to see
climate change in justice terms cannot be done at the schools and university alone: it is a life-
long responsibility and therefore a commitment.

7. Use Effective Partnerships to Secure Climate Justice

The principle of partnership points in the direction of solutions to climate change that are
integrated both within states and across state boundaries. Climate justice requires effective action
on a global scale which in turn requires a pooling of resources and a sharing of skills across the
world. The nation state may remain the basic building block of the international system but
without openness to coalitions of states and corporate interests and elements within civil society
as well, the risk is that the whole house produced by these blocks will be rendered uninhabitable.
Openness to partnership as advocated by Sultana (2021) is a vital aspect of any coherent
approach to climate change, and in the name of climate justice, this must also involve partnership
with those most affected by climate change and least able adequately to deal with it the poor and
under-resourced. These principles are rooted in the frameworks of international and regional
human rights law and do not require the breaking of any new ground on the part of those who
ought, in the name of climate justice, to be willing to take them on.

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 EXAMPLES OF HOW INTERSECTIONALITY THEORY HAS BEEN APPLIED IN
PRACTICE

Intersectionality theory has been applied in various practical contexts to address and mitigate the
impacts of systemic inequalities. Examples below illustrate how intersectionality theory is
applied in practice to address systemic inequalities, promote solidarity among marginalized
groups and ensure that policies and practices are inclusive and equitable.

Organizational Structures and Coalitions:

To enhance ally-ship and solidarity among different marginalized groups, networks and
coalitions have adopted strategies such as external facilitation, training and policy establishment.
This includes dialogue and learning between different equality sectors, like women’s sectors, to
address broader issues that affect marginalized groups. For instance Perkins, P (2019) propagated
that organizations that focus on pan equality aim to address issues affecting all or most
marginalized groups, facilitating building intersectional political solidarity.

Projects Targeted Towards Intersectionality Marginalized Groups:

There are projects specifically aimed at intersectionality marginalized groups, such as disabled
women. These projects differ in how they approach representation and participation. For
example, some projects view diversity within the project team as a bonus rather than a necessity,
while others aim to be led by the targeted marginalized group, advocating for their participation
to be remunerated as expertise. This reflects the different approaches to intersectionality in
practice, from acting for the marginalized group to the marginalized group acting for themselves.

Policy and Practice Applications:

Intersectionality has been applied in policy and practice to understand and address structural
inequalities. This includes advocating for intersections of strands and pan equality concepts over
generic, multi-strand and diversity within ones. Funding intersectional organizations and
alliances is recommended as these present models for intersectional practice. Single issue
equality organizations are held accountable for facilitating meaningful participation and self-
representation of intersectionality marginalized groups. This approach aims to ensure that

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intersectional marginalized groups are not only recognized but also actively involved in shaping
policies and practices that affect them.

Understanding Structural Inequality:

The concept of intersectionality has been used to understand and address structural inequalities,
particularly in the context of the Equality Act 2010 in the UK and Scotland. It helps
policymakers and practitioners understand the interactions between different protected
characteristics and how this shape lived experiences of discrimination, inequality, and privilege.
This understanding is crucial for the Public Sector Equality Duty, which requires public bodies
to eliminate unlawful discrimination and advance equality of opportunity for those with
protected characteristics.

THE DIFFERENCE OF INTERSECTIONALITY THEORY FROM OTHER THEORIES

OF OPPRESSION

Intersectionality theory stands out from other theories of oppression through its comprehensive
analysis of multiple forms of discrimination, its historical context of addressing marginalization,
its role as an analytical tool, its cross-disciplinary applicability, its focus on marginalized groups,
and its development of measures for assessment. Intersectionality theory differs from other
theories of oppression in several key ways:

Comprehensive Analysis

Intersectionality is a comprehensive framework that examines how various forms of

discrimination intersect and compound upon each other. It acknowledges that an individual's
experiences of oppression are shaped by multiple overlapping identities, such as race, gender,
class, sexuality, and disability. This is in contrast to other theories of oppression, which often
focus on a single axis of oppression at a time.

Historical Context:

Intersectionality was developed as a response to the exclusion of marginalized groups from

mainstream feminist and anti-racism movements. It represents an attempt to critique and address
the erasure of difference and the exclusion of marginalized voices from discussions about

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oppression. This historical context differentiates it from other theories, which may not have been
developed in response to such specific historical exclusion.

Analytical Tool

Intersectionality serves as an analytical tool that challenges the separation of different forms of
oppression. It argues against treating each axis of oppression in isolation, recognizing that the
experiences of individuals can be more complex and nuanced. This is a departure from theories
that may focus on analyzing oppression in isolation, such as theories that focus solely on race or
gender.

Applicability Across Disciplines

While intersectionality originated in the field of women and gender studies, Menton et al. (2020)
highlighted that the concept has been increasingly applied across various disciplines, including
health, law, and politics. This cross-disciplinary applicability distinguishes it from other theories
of oppression, which may be more specialized in their focus.

Focused on Marginalized Groups

Intersectionality places a particular emphasis on the experiences of individuals from historically

oppressed and marginalized groups. It aims to center the narratives and experiences of these
groups, which is a distinctive feature not commonly found in other theories of oppression.

Quantitative and Qualitative Measures

Intersectionality has seen the development of both qualitative and quantitative measures to
assess and understand its concepts better, such as the Intersectionality Discrimination Index. This
reflects a growing interest in incorporating intersectionality into various fields, including health
research, which is not as common with other theories of oppression.

CRITICISMS OF INTERSECTIONALITY THEORY

Criticisms of intersectionality theory range from its methodological limitations to its perceived
ideological implications and the challenges it poses to traditional feminist theories. These
criticisms highlight the challenges in applying intersectionality theory in practice, from its

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methodological limitations to its perceived ideological implications and the challenges it poses to
traditional feminist theories. Below are some of the key criticisms:

Reduction to Demographic Factors:

Critics argue that intersectionality tends to reduce individuals to specific demographic factors,
potentially overlooking the complexity of individual experiences and the nuances of identity
beyond simple demographic categories.

Ideological tool against other feminist Theories:

The theory has been criticized for being used as an ideological tool against other feminist
theories, suggesting a divisive approach rather than a unifying one.

Ambiguity and Lack of Defined Goals:

Intersectionality is characterized for being ambiguous and lacking defined goals. This ambiguity
makes it difficult for researchers to apply the theory consistently across different contexts and to
develop quantitative methods for empirical research.

Focus on Subjective Experiences Over Structural Inequality:

Critics argue that the focus on subjective experiences within intersectionality can lead to an
inability to identify common causes of oppression and to bridge theory into quantitative
methodology effectively.

Challenges in Praxis:

Rekia Jibrin and Sara Salem criticize intersectionality for creating a unified idea of anti-
oppression politics that demands too much from its adherents, making it difficult to achieve
practical outcomes. They also argue that the theory encourages a focus on group issues over
societal structures.

Complexity of Individual Identities:

Darren Hutchinson argues that it is impossible to theorize about or study a group when each
person within that group is "composed of a complex and unique matrix of identities that shift in

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time, is never fixed, and is constantly unstable and forever distinguishable from everyone else in
the universe".

Critiques of Intersectionality as a Caste System:

Some critiques posed by Osborne, Natalie (2015) suggest that intersectionality represents a "new
caste system," focusing on the benefits and burdens to specific groups rather than aiming to
eliminate hierarchies altogether. This critique, however, is seen by some as an affirmation of the
theory's fundamental truth that individuals have intersecting identities that impact how they are
viewed and treated.

Methodological Challenges:

Critics fault intersectionality for its proponents inadequately explained causal methodology and
incorrect predictions about the status of minority groups. Despite its potential to address complex
forms of discrimination, some argue that its application is overly simplistic and misinterpreted.

Challenges in Quantitative Methodology:

An analysis of academic articles found that intersectionality is frequently misunderstood when

bridging theory into quantitative methodology, highlighting the need for more robust analytic
methods.

Critiques of Intersectionality's Relevance:

Critics argue that intersectionality has not yet revealed as much as it ought to about identities or
has not examined the most important identities enough. They question whether intersectionality
is legitimated by an individual’s conscious awareness and balancing of individual aspects of
identity rather than revealing structures of power.

Elizabeth (2016) strongly advanced that the intersectionality theory highlights the interconnected
nature of various forms of oppression, such as gender, race, class and others and the ways in
which these intersect to create unique experiences of discrimination and inequality. In the
context of climate change justice, intersectionality theory is crucial in understanding how

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vulnerable populations are disproportionately impacted by environmental degradation and
climate change. For example, women in developing countries are often more affected by the
impacts of climate due to existing inequalities and cultural norms that restrict their access to
resources and decision-making power. Indigenous communities, people of color and low-income
individuals also bear the brunt of the environmental harm caused by industries and policies that
prioritize profit over people’s well-being.

Intersectionality theory as stretched out by Martinez et al (2014) challenges us to recognize and

address the interconnected systems of oppression that contribute to the environmental injustice
and climate change disparities. By understanding the intersecting factors that contribute to
vulnerability, we can develop more inclusive and effective solutions for climate change
adaptation and mitigation. In order to achieve climate justice, it is essential to center the voices
and experiences of marginalized communities and address the interlocking forms of oppression
that perpetuate environmental harm. By applying an intersectional lens to climate change justice,
we can create more equitable and sustainable solutions that prioritize the needs and rights of all
individuals, regardless of their race, gender, class or any other identity.

How does intersectionality theory help vulnerability reduction by acknowledging that individuals
are affected by multiple dimensions of their identity such as race, gender, sexuality and
socioeconomic status? Collins (2019) alluded that by recognizing the interconnectedness of these
factors, intersectionality theory allows policymakers and practitioners to address the unique
challenges faced by individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups. For example, a
low-income woman of color may face discrimination and barriers to resources that are different
from those faced by a white woman or a man of color. By understanding the intersectionality of
her identity, interventions and policies can be designed to address the specific needs and
vulnerabilities that she faces.

By incorporating intersectionality theory into vulnerability reduction efforts, practitioners and

policy makers can create more inclusive and effective strategies that address the root causes of
vulnerability and promote equality and social justice for all individuals, regardless of their
intersecting identities. This ultimately helps in reducing vulnerabilities and improving outcomes
for marginalized populations.

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Intersectionality theories are highly applicable in the context of climate related disasters. Climate
change impacts different communities in varying ways and those who are most vulnerable to
climate disasters are often those who already face systematic discrimination and marginalization.
Intersectionality theories help to highlight how various social identities such as race, gender,
socioeconomic status and ability, intersect and compound to create unique vulnerabilities in the
face of climate related disaster. For example, women particularly those in developing countries,
often face greater challenges in accessing resources and support during disasters. Additionally,
people of color, indigenous populations, and low-income communities are disproportionately
affected by climate related disasters due factors such as limited resources and supporting during
disasters. Additionally, people color, indigenous populations, and low-income communities are
disproportionately affected by climate related disasters due to factors such as limited resources,
lack of access to healthcare and systematic barriers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, intersectionality continues to wield a breadth, depth, complexity and nuance in

our understanding of how work and workplaces are experienced and organized. As a theoretical
framework and a practical tool, it makes a unique contribution to advancing understanding and
empowering marginalized groups in the context of management, organizations, and beyond.
While this flexibility is embraced by its current adopters, perhaps its applications across
management research and practice will converge in scope over time as the concept matures.
There remains much potential to contribute to dismantling power structures, revealing the power
of social context and untangling the complexity of human behaviors using intersectionality in
business and management theory and in practice.

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REFERENCES

Gardiner, S.M., Ed. (2010) Climate ethics: essential readings. New York, NY: Oxford
University Press.

Hancock, A.-M. (2016). Intersectionality: an intellectual history. Oxford University Press.

Hathaway, J.R. (2020) Climate change, the intersectional imperative, and the opportunity of the
green new deal. Environmental Communication, 14 (1), 13–22.

Haynes, C., et al., (2020). Towards an understanding of intersectionality methodology: a 30-year

literature synthesis of Black Women’s experiences in higher education. Review of Educational
Research, 90 (6), 751–787.

Hill Collins, P., (2019) Intersectionality as critical social theory. Durham: Duke University
Press.

Klein (2014). This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. the Climate. NY: Simon & Schuster

Martinez Dy, A., Martin, L., and Marlow, S., (2014) Developing a critical realist positional
approach to intersectionality. Journal of Critical Realism, 13 (5), 447–466.

Menton, M., et al. (2020) Environmental justice and the SDGs: from synergies to gaps and
contradictions. Sustainability Science, 15 (6), 1621–1636.

Osborne, Natalie (2015). “Intersectionality and kyriarchy: A framework for approaching power
and social justice in planning and climate change adaptation,” 14(2)130-151.

Perkins, P (2019) Climate justice, gender and intersectionality. In: T. Jafry, K. Helwig, and M.
Mikulewicz, eds. Routledge Handbook of climate justice. Abingdon, Oxon and New York, NY:
Routledge, 349–358.

Rodriguez, B (2021) Extreme heat further complicates the lives of homeless women and LGBTQ
people. PBS News Hour. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/extreme-heat-further-complicates
the-lives-of-homeless-women-and- lgbtq-people

Rodriguez, Majandra (2015). “Facing climate change through justice and intersectionality,”
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Sultana, F (2021) Climate change, COVID-19, and the co-production of injustices: a feminist
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Verlie B. (2022) Climate justice in more-than-human worlds. Environmental Politics, 31 (2),

297–319. doi:10.1080/09644016.2021.1981081

Walsh, Elizabeth (2016), “Why We Need Intersectionality to Understand Climate Change,”

Center for World Indigenous Studies, Intercontinental Cry

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