Dr. Olive book Intersectionality in Educational Research

Ashland University Education Professor Co-Edits Book on Intersectionality in Educational Research

Published on Aug. 20, 2015
Ashland University

8/20/15 ASHLAND, Ohio – Dr. James Olive, associate professor in the Department of Leadership Studies at Ashland University, is co-editor of a new book that is titled “Intersectionality in Educational Research (Engaged Research and Practice for Social Justice in Education).”

According to Olive, the purpose of the book is to advance understanding of intersectional theory and its application to research in education.

“The use of intersectionality in research and education is increasing as its framework provides a means through which to analyze students’ experiences across multiple dimensions of identity,” Olive said. “In essence, intersectionality promotes critical complex thinking regarding the intersections of race, class, gender, sexual orientation and other identity dimensions, as well as their outcomes.”

Olive said the scholars whose work appears in the volume utilize intersectional theory and research methods to work in fields and disciplines such as education, sociology, women’s studies, Africana studies, human development, higher education administration, leadership studies, and justice studies.

“This new book illustrates how intersectionality’s framework can be used in both quantitative and qualitative educational research that focuses on college student access and success, faculty satisfaction, and K-12 issues such as bullying and high school dropouts,” he said.

In addition to co-editing the text, Olive also authored two chapters and co-authored one chapter within the book.

The book has received a number of endorsements, including:

"Intersectionality in Educational Research is an ambitious book designed to introduce readers to definitions and uses of intersectional theory in studying educational policy, practice, and theory. The editors have brought together scholars who employ intersectional theory in empirical and theoretical projects that span K-12 and higher education, students and faculty, and research approaches. This book is an ideal text for readers seeking to enter the scholarly conversation about intersectionality in education research." -- Kristen Renn, Professor of Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (HALE) in the Department of Educational Administration at Michigan State University

"This book offers a comprehensive, complex and well-organized overview of intersectionality as a tool for critical inquiry and analysis and highlights its usefulness as a theoretical perspective and a qualitative and quantitative methodology. Incorporating examples relevant to a variety of disciplines and considering educational issues that range in relevance from K-12 to higher education, this book is a must read for policy makers, researchers, educators, administrators, practitioners, advocates and others vested in understanding the intersections of social disparities such as race, class, and gender and the ways in which such intersections shape the educational experiences and outcomes of marginalized populations. Whether your knowledge of intersectionality reflects that of a novice or seasoned scholar, you will find this book enthralling and the reflective questions at the end of each chapter thought provoking." -- Yvette Murphy-Erby, Associate Dean, Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences

Olive's book is available for purchase through Amazon at:

https://www.amazon.com/Intersectionality-Educational-Research-Practice-Education/dp/1620360969

Ashland University is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students. ###