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Intersectionality in Humanitarian Response: Just added empty words or the way for an impactful action?

Mühlhauser, Julia Regina LU (2023) SIMZ31 20231
Graduate School
Abstract
We are facing a continuous increase in humanitarian crises. All humanitarian emergencies affect
People in Need differently. The wish for a more inclusive picture of the affected people suitable
for humanitarian response is becoming more significant. The concept of intersectionality, in the
sense of Crenshaw, promises to add precisely this perspective to humanitarian response.
With the help of methods of content analyses, this thesis visualizes the main adaptation steps of
intersectionality in humanitarian response: the definition phase within a base policy and the
planning and utilizing phase of humanitarian activities. Due to this, the thesis aims to to outline
the adaptation of intersectionality throughout humanitarian response... (More)
We are facing a continuous increase in humanitarian crises. All humanitarian emergencies affect
People in Need differently. The wish for a more inclusive picture of the affected people suitable
for humanitarian response is becoming more significant. The concept of intersectionality, in the
sense of Crenshaw, promises to add precisely this perspective to humanitarian response.
With the help of methods of content analyses, this thesis visualizes the main adaptation steps of
intersectionality in humanitarian response: the definition phase within a base policy and the
planning and utilizing phase of humanitarian activities. Due to this, the thesis aims to to outline
the adaptation of intersectionality throughout humanitarian response processes using the lens of
traveling theory. This is rounded up by allowing humanitarian practitioners, through semistructured interviews, to reflect on the status quo and see first-hand experiences of how
intersectionality is adapted in humanitarian response, a perspective missing so far in academic
discussions.
The data illustrates that one of the main difficulties is defining intersectionality in humanitarian
response and its distinction from gender mainstreaming. The lack of a clear definition of the
concept is consequently leading to a lack of clarity in humanitarian response planning. The aim of
a holistic, intersectional approach, as being able to disclose power struggles and oppression, still
needs to be achieved. However, a strong wish to transform humanitarian response practice is
visible. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Mühlhauser, Julia Regina LU
supervisor
organization
course
SIMZ31 20231
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
language
English
id
9130704
date added to LUP
2023-08-01 14:02:41
date last changed
2023-08-01 14:02:41
@misc{9130704,
  abstract     = {{We are facing a continuous increase in humanitarian crises. All humanitarian emergencies affect
People in Need differently. The wish for a more inclusive picture of the affected people suitable
for humanitarian response is becoming more significant. The concept of intersectionality, in the
sense of Crenshaw, promises to add precisely this perspective to humanitarian response.
With the help of methods of content analyses, this thesis visualizes the main adaptation steps of
intersectionality in humanitarian response: the definition phase within a base policy and the
planning and utilizing phase of humanitarian activities. Due to this, the thesis aims to to outline
the adaptation of intersectionality throughout humanitarian response processes using the lens of
traveling theory. This is rounded up by allowing humanitarian practitioners, through semistructured interviews, to reflect on the status quo and see first-hand experiences of how
intersectionality is adapted in humanitarian response, a perspective missing so far in academic
discussions.
The data illustrates that one of the main difficulties is defining intersectionality in humanitarian
response and its distinction from gender mainstreaming. The lack of a clear definition of the
concept is consequently leading to a lack of clarity in humanitarian response planning. The aim of
a holistic, intersectional approach, as being able to disclose power struggles and oppression, still
needs to be achieved. However, a strong wish to transform humanitarian response practice is
visible.}},
  author       = {{Mühlhauser, Julia Regina}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Intersectionality in Humanitarian Response: Just added empty words or the way for an impactful action?}},
  year         = {{2023}},
}