Intersectionality in research on equity, diversity, and inclusion in sport: A systematic review of the literature

Research increasingly focuses on intersectionality to advance existing approaches to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in sport. Intersectionality is a complex concept that has been defined and operationalized in various ways. Using a systematic review comprising 41 peer-reviewed publications, this paper examines the extent to which and how research on EDI in sport engages with intersectional thinking and practice. The authors used three theory-informed approaches to evaluate the intersectionality characteristics of the literature, attending to intersectionality categorization, styles, and modes of engagement. The findings show a recent increase in the use of the language of intersectionality in research on EDI in sport, especially since 2018. Most of the published scholarship is situated in the Global North and is predominantly qualitative. The findings suggest that intersectionality is more than a buzzword and is increasingly taken seriously in this research field, theoretically and empirically. There is room for greater engagement with intersectional research methodology and with calls for intersectionality as critical praxis.