Intersectionality, Gender, and Equal Opportunity

The diversity of people and their complexity makes it fundamental to look not at a single factor when examining their lives, but at multiple factors. Thus, it is vital to bridge various individual and collective characteristics, such as race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, and age. Intersectionality plays a significant role in this process. This concept analytically approaches the existing power relations at the intersection of different social dimensions. It aims to determine how these characteristics interact with socially implemented social, economic, and family dynamics. This chapter begins with a solid conception of intersectional justice and an analysis of the multiple injustices that can be aggregated because of the power relations established in society. It also intends to address complex issues within the scope of gender equality, such as reproductive rights, female genital mutilation, employment, priority setting in healthcare, work, and political representation. The authors recognize the multidimensional and relational nature of social positions and suggest that institutions that allocate opportunities and resources, including the school system, labor market, health system, social security system, taxation, and media, should be instruments for true intersectional justice.