Research Article
4 January 2019

Gender-Based Analysis Plus in Canada: Problems and Possibilities of Integrating Intersectionality

Publication: Canadian Public Policy
Volume 44, Number 4

Abstract

Abstract

International debate is ongoing regarding the innovation of gender mainstreaming (GM), its efficacy, and future utility. Likewise, in Canada, there is a push to learn from early GM efforts and a renewed focus on creating more responsive mainstreaming strategies. Although Canada’s gender-based analysis (GBA) has been researched and evaluated, this study uses the feminist theory of intersectionality to examine the newer GBA+ model, which builds on its predecessor. Drawing on thematic analysis of 32 stakeholder interviews from three different sectors and content analysis of key policy reports, we investigate how the shift to this new model is perceived, whether inclusion of the “+” results in greater responsiveness, and how to better operationalize intersectionality in policy contexts.

Résumé

Le débat soulevé par l’instauration du paritarisme, son efficacité et son utilité future persiste sur la scène internationale. Au Canada, l’on observe parallèlement une volonté de tirer des leçons des premiers efforts de paritarisme et un regain d’intérêt pour la création de stratégies mieux adaptées à l’intégration des considérations qui y sont liées. Bien que l’analyse comparative entre les sexes (ACS) ait fait l’objet d’études et d’évaluations au Canada, les auteures ont recours à la théorie féministe de l’intersectionnalité pour examiner le modèle plus récent de l’ACS+, reposant sur son prédécesseur. En se fondant sur les résultats d’une analyse thématique de 32 entrevues réalisées auprès de parties prenantes issues de trois secteurs différents ainsi que d’une analyse du contenu de trois importants rapports moraux, elles se penchent sur la façon dont est perçu le virage vers ce nouveau modèle et se demandent si l’adjonction du « + » accroît la réactivité et comment assurer une meilleure opérationnalisation des considérations liées à l’intersectionnalité dans les politiques.

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Published In

Go to Canadian Public Policy
Canadian Public Policy
Volume 44Number 4December 2018
Pages: 303 - 316

History

Published in print: December 2018
Published online: 4 January 2019

Keywords:

  1. GBA+
  2. gender mainstreaming
  3. Canada
  4. intersectionality
  5. public policy

Mots clés :

  1. ACS+
  2. Canada
  3. intersectionnalité
  4. paritarisme
  5. politique publique

Authors

Affiliations

Olena Hankivsky
School of Public Policy, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Linda Mussell
Department of Political Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

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