Intersectionality and Critical Social Work with Girls: Theory and Practice

The article presents the contribution of critical feminist theory, especially intersectional theory, to intervention with adolescent girls. Intersectional theory emphasises the structural intersection of social categories, such as gender, class and ethnicity, which lies behind inequality, along with the need to acknowledge women's life experiences, voices and knowledge. The article presents a programme based on intersectional theory which consisted of two phases: (i) training for social workers, aimed at acquainting them with critical feminist analysis; (ii) direct intervention with girls, based on discussions the trained social workers initiated and led with the girls on their everyday experiences in regard to gender, ethnicity, class, sexuality and employment. The main contents of the training as well as examples of the discussions held with the girls are presented. Finally, the article discusses the challenges of critical feminist practice.