Standing up to Intersectional Discrimination: a Multi-dimensional Approach to the Case of Spain

• Main Authors: Olga Jubany, Berta Güell, Roisin Davis
• Format: Article
• Language: fra
• Published: L’Harmattan 2011-12-01
• Series: Droit et Cultures
• Subjects: Discrimination; Discrimination Complaints; Intersectionality; Multi-dimensional Approach; Resistance; Spain
• Online Access: http://journals.openedition.org/droitcultures/2752

In analysing and understanding discrimination in our globalised society, the intersectional approach becomes fundamental to move beyond presumed collective classifications and adopt a conceptual framework inclusive of all forms of discrimination and their intersections. However, this does not only relate to the existence of different forms of the discriminatory experience, but also to the diversity in resistance and to the ways in which individuals stand up to it. By presenting an in-depth exploration of the case of Spain, this paper illustrates the key elements that play a role in the use of resources to complain against experiences of discrimination as a means of resistance. This is analysed through a multi-dimensional approach which reveals the existence of a breach between the prominent application of the intersectional concept at the academic level and its minimal use by individuals experiencing discrimination and those dealing with discrimination complaints. It is by linking the results of an empirical investigation with the arguments outlined at the wider academic sphere that this paper attempts to bridge the gap between the everyday experiences and the conceptual debate.