A sub-theory of intersectional natural hair discrimination

Abstract

The conventional domestic anti-discrimination law in the UK, the Equality Act 2010, and the USA, the Civil Rights Act 1964, is governed by a single-axis framework which requires individuals to make a discrimination claim on the basis of a single category of discrimination. Crenshaw’s theory of intersectionality reveals the existence of a distinct form of discrimination, intersectional discrimination, which is unable to be recognised by the single-dimension logic embedded within the conventional legislative approach. As a result of the fundamental limitation of having discrete categories within which discrimination has to be placed, certain forms of intersectional discrimination are not included within the conventional criteria of anti-discrimination law. This thesis acknowledges natural hair discrimination as a form of intersectional discrimination, that is, ‘intersectional natural hair discrimination.’ The purpose of this thesis is to critically examine the extent to which the UK and US legislative frameworks are capable of responding to intersectional natural hair discrimination and, in light of their deficiencies, to conceptualise a legislative framework, within the UK and USA, which would be capable of responding to the full complexity of this phenomenon. This is critically developed through the articulation of a sub-theory of intersectional natural hair discrimination.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Edge Hill University
Supervisor	PETER LANGFORD (Director of Studies)