The Intersectional Intention: (Re)producing Inequalities When Trying to Attain Gender Equality in Sweden

Abstract

This thesis investigated the understanding of intersectionality that is being (re)produced in a Swedish governmental investigation report on gender equality (SOU 2015:86). The aim of this study was to critically examine examples found in the SOU-report of the proposed ambition that intersectionality should be implemented into gender equality politics. Analysis was conducted with the help of the What’s the problem represented to be? - method developed by Carol Bacchi (2009a). Focus areas were the intersectionality implementation intention and the meaning and effects this would create for those being governed. The findings point to intersectionality being used as a method to favour gender equality, and not as a critical approach to understand the intersection of social categories. Furthermore, the need for a greater understanding of categorical differences has been explored along with the lack of political dimension in the field of gender equality and intersectionality in politics overall. The thesis concludes that by ignoring the complexity of intersectionality in political implementations, this approach could (re)produce inequalities and thus have negative effects for non-normative subjects. Additionally, a de-politicized use of intersectionality is found which makes intersectionality as a concept more static and thus may hinder fruitful political discussion.