Development and validation of the SAFE (Socially Ascribed intersectional identities For Equity) questionnaire

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• Traditional surveys inadequately represent how social perceptions shape individual experiences and group categorization.
• Understanding perceived social positions is crucial for intersectionality research, as it influences negative impacts on individuals.
• Existing research highlights the complexity of social positions and their lived experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel questionnaire grounded in intersectionality theory and social position.
• To create a tool applicable to large-scale, population-based surveys and studies.
• To enhance the measurement of intersectional social dynamics in research.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized data from 61 quantitative surveys and 197 qualitative studies on intersectionality.
• Developed a five-part draft questionnaire covering key identity and social status domains.
• Utilized an expert Delphi process for iterative refinement and validation of questionnaire items and response options.

Main Results:

• A refined questionnaire, the Social and Intersectionality Framework for Evaluation (SAFE), was developed.
• The Delphi process achieved ≥75% consensus on questionnaire items and response options.
• The SAFE questionnaire demonstrates high relevance and accessibility for diverse populations.

Conclusions:

• The SAFE questionnaire offers a significant advancement in understanding the intersectional nature of social participation and marginalization.
• This validated tool facilitates more nuanced research into social position and its effects.
• The SAFE questionnaire can be applied in large-scale studies to improve the measurement of intersectional experiences.