Analysing and Understanding Intersections: Using Nayak’s ‘Intersectional Model of Reflection’ in Social Work Teaching

Understanding how oppressions and privileges interact together to create and sustain differential outcomes at a structural and individual level is essential for socially just social work practice. This chapter explores how using an intersectional model of reflection (Nayak, Crit Radical Soc Work 10:319–336, 2022) in social work teaching helps students go beyond a broad naming of oppression. Students can then view the ‘intersection’ from multiple angles and name specific vehicles of oppression and effects. Such a model is beneficial for ongoing reflection and helps students operationalise the complexities of intersectionality. Students are then more likely to identify issues at the micro, mezzo, and macro level.