Fostering Intersectionality Through Research Design: A Co-Creative Q-Method Approach

This paper explores the integration of intersectionality into research design and methodologies, with a focus on studying activism and advocacy. By emphasizing co-creation, it demonstrates how intersectional approaches can uncover the nuanced, interwoven experiences of marginalised communities. The discussion highlights practical strategies for embedding intersectionality into each stage of the research process, ensuring that activism and advocacy studies are inclusive, reflective, and participatory. Ultimately, this work offers a framework for researchers to engage collaboratively with communities in a way that respects and amplifies diverse voices, while addressing systemic inequalities. This study therefore proposes a Q-method approach for generating an in-depth understanding of how different stakeholders view inclusive participation. Q-Method is a unique research approach that captures and analyses subjective viewpoints, through ranking a Q-set of 30-50 statements on a topic, making it particularly effective for exploring complex social issues like intersectional inclusion in participatory governance. We introduce a novel approach for the Q-set development, that engages participants in the process of generating these statements about inclusion. We show how inviting participants to contribute directly—whether through group discussions, individual writing exercises, or even creative, arts-based activities—ensures that the Q-statements authentically reflect diverse perspectives and resonate across cultural contexts. This participatory approach not only enriches the Q-set with varied viewpoints but also fosters a sense of ownership and inclusivity among participants, providing a robust framework for intersectional research on activism and advocacy.