Intersectionality in European Union Development Programmes: A Case Study of ENI CBC MED

Hind ABU SHKHADIM

Master's thesis

Intersectionality Consideration in EU Development Projects

Abstract:

This research aims to understand the consideration of the intersectionality by the European Union in its development programs. The ENI CBC MED Programme is used as a case study to approach the study's aims. This program is implemented as a large-scale EU program that comprises 80 projects to further achieve the goals of promoting economic and social development and addressing common environmental challenges in the Mediterranean areas, which are well-known for their highly diverse communities that represent various social categories like, nationality, language, religion, race, ethnicity, and others. Although the term intersectionality is relatively new, it is being used as a principle of assessment as it intends to capture the understanding of discrimination and privilege. The research focuses on analyzing intersectionality, guided by six key principles, "Intersecting Categories", "Multilevel Analysis", "Reflectivity", "Time and Space", "The Diversity of Knowledge", and "Social Justice" in the design and the implementation of the program through the analysis of the program documents, the interviews with the program staff, and the focus groups with the program partners. The main takeaway in the process of this research has been the observation that intersectional perspective is partially and indirectly employed as a tool throughout the design and implementation of the program. However, some of the well-used intersectional principles are not recognized as part of the intersectional approach, which stems from a lack of awareness of the concept of "Intersectionality" itself.

Abstract:

This research aims to understand the consideration of the intersectionality by the European Union in its development programs. The ENI CBC MED Programme is used as a case study to approach the study's aims. This program is implemented as a large-scale EU program that comprises 80 projects to further achieve the goals of promoting economic and social development and addressing common environmental challenges in the Mediterranean areas, which are well-known for their highly diverse communities that represent various social categories like, nationality, language, religion, race, ethnicity, and others. Although the term intersectionality is relatively new, it is being used as a principle of assessment as it intends to capture the understanding of discrimination and privilege. The research focuses on analyzing intersectionality, guided by six key principles, "Intersecting Categories", "Multilevel Analysis", "Reflectivity", "Time and Space", "The Diversity of Knowledge", and "Social Justice" in the design and the implementation of the program through the analysis of the program documents, the interviews with the program staff, and the focus groups with the program partners. The main takeaway in the process of this research has been the observation that intersectional perspective is partially and indirectly employed as a tool throughout the design and implementation of the program. However, some of the well-used intersectional principles are not recognized as part of the intersectional approach, which stems from a lack of awareness of the concept of "Intersectionality" itself.

Keywords

Intersectionality, European Union, Development Programs

Language used: Czech

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 31. 5. 2022

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Mgr. Lenka Dušková, PhD.

Palacký University Olomouc

Faculty of Science

Master programme / field:
Development Studies and Foresight / Development Studies and Foresight - specialization in Global Development Policy