Affinity Groups in Higher Education: A Critical and Intersectional Examination of Genderwashing

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the concept of genderwashing in the context of higher education (HE) in the United States. Using intersectionality as a framework, the authors critically examine gender-based affinity groups, which are used in HE as a common strategy to support diversity and equity efforts. The authors discuss how such efforts often fall short in facilitating meaningful organizational or systemic change and provide questions and considerations for addressing genderwashing that are informed by an intersectional lens.

Citation

Haber-Curran, P., Bitton, A.L. and Turman, N.T. (2024), "Affinity Groups in Higher Education: A Critical and Intersectional Examination of Genderwashing", Gardiner, R.A., Fox-Kirk, W., Elliott, C.J. and Stead, V. (Ed.) Genderwashing in Leadership (Transformative Women Leaders), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 65-82. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83753-988-820241006