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. 2022 Feb 1;24(2):285-288.
doi: 10.1093/ntr/ntab193.

Tobacco-Related Disparities Viewed Through the Lens of Intersectionality

Christine E Sheffer  1 , Jill M Williams  2 , Deborah O Erwin  3 , Phillip H Smith  4 , Ellen Carl  1 , Jamie S Ostroff  5
Affiliations

Tobacco-Related Disparities Viewed Through the Lens of Intersectionality

Christine E Sheffer et al. Nicotine Tob Res. .

Abstract

Despite remarkable progress, tobacco control efforts are not equitably distributed, and tobacco-related disparities continue to contribute to significant health disparities. Our premise in this commentary is that Intersectionality can serve as a productive analytical framework for examining tobacco-related disparities across and within multiple marginalized populations. Intersectionality is a theoretical framework for understanding the multiple interlocking societal systems that bestow privilege and oppression and is increasingly being to the study of health inequities. We present a model and describe how tobacco-related disparities can be understood via critical elements of Intersectionality. We conclude that the application of Intersectionality to understanding tobacco-related disparities has potential to stimulate meaningful discussion and lead to new and innovative multilevel and cross-cutting interventions to eliminate tobacco-related disparities and foster culturally safe environment in which all people can thrive.

Implications: This commentary describes how Intersectionality can serve as a productive analytic framework for examining the development and maintenance of tobacco-related disparities across and within many marginalized groups.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Viewing tobacco-related disparities through the lens of intersectionality. Intersectionality highlights the asymmetrical life opportunities associated with structural inequalities.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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