Examining identity intersectionality: Thai marriage migrants in the Netherlands

Abstract

With a comparative design and a mixed-methods approach, this research with Thai female marriage migrants in the Netherlands offers a novel examination of the theory of identity intersectionality. By explicitly asking Thai females about the meanings they attribute to their ethnic identity or their female identity or their intersectional identity of being a Thai woman, we provide a systematic comparison of identity meanings. It is found that the intersectional identity has some unique meanings and is more strongly associated with a perceived marginalized societal position and feelings of discrimination. The implications for intersectionality theory and social psychology are discussed.