Intersectionality in Social Work ― Activism and Practice in Context

This ground breaking book is an innovative, passionate and provocative exploration of intersectionality. The sustained emphasis on activism and practice, reasserts the potency of intersectionality borne out of Black feminism. The rare and pioneering international reach of this book crosses four continents. In this book context matters: there is no intersectionality without context!

Resting on the premise that we cannot work for the liberation of individuals, communities and societies without intersectionality, this book asks: How does intersectionality challenge the structures and discourses of social work education, management and organisation? What is the revolutionary potential of intersectionality? Intersectional in its method and content, the blend of practice, activism, research and theory troubles geo-political and disciplinary boundaries. The range of topics include: Islamophobia, immigration, feminist movements, social work education, violence against women and girls, gender, sexuality, race, disability, age, religion, nationality, citizenship policy and legal frameworks.

This book will appeal to activists for social justice, social work practitioners, researchers, lecturers, students and those working in the field of Black feminist thinking. The focus on the activism of intersectionality provides a clear pathway into Black feminist thinking and its application to social work internationally and to emancipatory collective political activism worldwide.

Suryia Nayak is a senior lecturer in social work at the University of Salford UK. Suryia has been working with intersectionality for over 30 years for social justice in ending violence against women and girls, primarily within the Rape Crisis Movement. Suryia has set up services dedicated to BAMER women and girls. Suryia applies models of education as liberation and the activism of Black feminism to raise consciousness about the psychological and political impact of oppressive social constructions.

Rachel Robbins researches in the areas of domestic violence, adult social care and social justice. In particular she has an interest in feminist theory and intersectionality. Rachel is research active in the area of social work and social policy and is a member of the Connect Centre for International Research on New Approaches to Prevent Violence and Harm. Prior to entering the academy, Rachel worked in a range of social work and social policy settings.