Intersectionality and public identity

Question 1

Public Identity (Ange-Marie Hancock (2003):

Answer 1

“Public identities represent a constellation of stereotypes and moral judgements of various group identities ascribed to and at times adopted by Individuals.
They are generally based upon non-group members’ perceptions, specifically for the advancement of facially neutral public policy goals…”

Question 2

The creation of public identity (4):

Answer 2

• Political discourses, academia and media together develop ‘controlling images’ and ‘cultural narratives.
• Discourses have an impact on the lived experience of marginalised groups.
• Public identities focus on several aspects of individual identity rather than a single category.
• Public identities differ from stereotypes because they have a context of political goals.

Question 3

Public identity implications:

Answer 3

Public identity can be damaging in two ways:

• Patronisation
• Pathologisation (results in over-surveillance)

Can create structural marginalisation.

Question 4

Public identity and access to services:

Answer 4

• Do they need to continuously fit into public identities to access welfare services? Can they frame their own narrative and still use welfare services?
• To be able to access specific welfare services, individuals must negotiate and grapple with public identities imposed on them.

Question 5

Public identity and social workers (3):

Answer 5

• Social workers should allow a client to develop a voice, and their strengths should be acknowledged.
• Need to understand our own professional power and ensure it does not affect our engagement.
• Be self-aware of our own assumptions.

Question 6

How do we understand intersectionality in social work?

Answer 6

• Intersectionality should not become a universal frame for fixing people’s experiences- consider each case uniquely.
• Identities are in flux, and are dependent on the individual themself.
• Highlight voices of resistance and resilience.