Critical junior scholar network

On Friday, 7th February 2025, the Critical Junior Scholar (CJS) network is hosting another session. The CJS network is an interdisciplinary and inter-university network for young researchers who are (interested in) using critical theory or methodology in their work. It offers researchers the opportunity to discuss their work with like-minded others.

During this session, two PhD students who are working on intersectionality within the higher education context will present their work: Joanna on integrating an intersectional approach into the equality policies and practices of European universities and Jess on making STEM environments inclusive through an intersectional lens. After every presentation, there will be space for an open discussion on the presented work and to share experiences or raise questions on the PhD trajectory (e.g. positionality as a researcher, writing ‘critical’ articles, relationship with supervisor, etc.).

Program:

At the start of the session, lunch will be provided by the network. Afterwards, we will start with the paper presentations:

• Joanna Beeckmans (School of Social Sciences – UHasselt) – “On paper yes, not in practice”: unpacking the institutionalization of intersectionality in universities’ equality policies

This study examines institutionalizing intersectionality in universities’ equality policies by unpacking how universities have embedded different ways to address intersecting inequalities through their organizational policymaking processes. While current research focuses on public policy discourses and remains rather critical of intersectionality’s depoliticization through institutionalization, less attention is given to actual intersectional practices in place at the organizational level. Through a comparative analysis of 28 policy documents and 39 interviews with students and staff at a North-West and South European university, results reveal that policies adopt formal and informal intersectional approaches and focus predominantly on coalition-building to gain support for intersectional policies. The Southern case shows effective practices to address intersecting inequalities but faces formal implementation frictions due to administrative burdens. In contrast, the Northern case is supported through formal, national compliance but risks what we call non-performative intersectionality as the university remains homogeneous and overt exclusionary practices persist. These results suggest a need for reflexive consideration on how institutionalizing intersectionality in universities affects the effective organizational processes towards intersectional equalities in different contexts.

• Jess Fiorelli (SEIN – UHasselt) – Contextualising intersectionality in STEM work inequalities

Science and technology workplaces are often marked by exclusivity, raising critical questions about the power structures underpinning these exclusionary systems. Insights from a comprehensive literature review emphasise the importance of contextualising intersecting inequalities. By employing an intersectional lens, it becomes possible to explore how these inequalities are shaped by and, in turn, shape spatial and temporal dimensions, institutional forces, and epistemic frameworks that reinforce rigid boundaries within STEM work.

Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to join for drinks. This will give us the chance to get to know each other in a more informal manner.

For whom?

• PhD students & postdocs

When?

• The activity will take place on February 07, 2025 - 13:00-16:00.

Where?

• The session will take place at Campus VUB, Pleinlaan 5, Elsene, exact location TBA

Registration?

• Register by sending an email to charlotte.vermeijen@uhasselt.be
• As places are limited, registering does not automatically imply that you will be able to participate. You will be notified by email in due time.
• Please cancel your registration at least one week in advance in case you cannot make it (cfr. cancellation & no-show policy).

Acknowledged as?

• DS BSH: session on advanced discipline-specific knowledge - passive participation