Understanding Intersectionality in Special Populations
The Flint Women’s Study, a community-engaged participatory qualitative research, offers profound insights into the needs of special populations, including young women, perinatal women, older women, women with disabilities, and LGBTQIA women. Conducted in Flint, Michigan, this study emphasizes the importance of intersectionality in understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by these groups.
Key Findings and Recommendations
The study highlights several cross-cutting themes that affect all groups of women, such as access to healthy food, healthcare costs, transportation, job opportunities, and affordable housing. Here are some of the key findings and recommendations for practitioners:
- Mentoring and Support: Mentoring is crucial for young women to protect them from risks such as human trafficking. Older women benefit from mentoring younger women, which helps build social support and reduces loneliness.
- Infrastructure and Accessibility: Women with disabilities require improved infrastructure accessibility and authentic inclusion in all areas of life. Providing assistance that respects their dignity and self-worth is essential.
- Housing and Discrimination: LGBTQIA women face housing discrimination and need increased sensitivity from healthcare providers. Streamlining access to social services and resources is recommended for all groups.
Implementing Intersectionality in Practice
Practitioners can improve their skills by incorporating the outcomes of this study into their practice. Here are some actionable steps:
- Enhance Sensitivity Training: Incorporate intersectionality into training programs to increase awareness of the unique challenges faced by special populations.
- Build Support Networks: Facilitate the creation of support networks and mentoring programs that connect individuals across different special populations.
- Advocate for Policy Changes: Work towards policy changes that address systemic barriers, such as improving infrastructure and access to affordable housing.
Encouraging Further Research
While the Flint Women’s Study provides valuable insights, further research is necessary to continue addressing the evolving needs of special populations. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in research that explores the intersectionality of different social identities and how they impact access to services and overall wellbeing.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Intersectionality, special populations, needs and suggestions: the Flint Women’s study.
