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Reflections on the theory and practice of intersectionality: Immigration and health provision services in Brazil

Mountian, Ilana; Calvo Gonzalez, Elena

Authors

Ilana Mountian

Elena Calvo Gonzalez



Contributors

Suryia Nayak
Editor

Rachel Robbins
Editor

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to enquire how an intersectional analytical approach can help us understand the process of “Othering” of certain groups and how it affects public policies and public service provisions. Using, as a case study, the contemporary health policies in Brazil in its provision of services towards immigrants, we argue that the (mis)representation and healthcare provision immigrants experience are directly related to the many ways in which the immigrant occupies the position of the “Other” in discourse. Drawing primarily from the work of Black Feminism and Postcolonial Feminism, we highlight the importance of academic debates on intersectionality for challenging the homogenization and essentialization of specific groups. This approach helps to highlight the tensions in research and social interventions, revealing the power relations set within institutions, and bringing important contributions that are relevant for the fields of social work, psychology and public policies.

Publication Date Aug 23, 2018
Deposit Date Apr 9, 2025
Publisher Routledge
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Pages 92-104
Book Title Intersectionality in social work: activism and practice in context
Chapter Number 7
ISBN 9781138628168
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/14284998