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The significant influence of social determinants on health has long been empirically proven (cf. Commission of the World Health Organisation (WHO))1. Social structural characteristics such as age, gender, sexual orientation, social status (operationalised via income, education, occupational status), social circumstances, poverty, working conditions, migration history, culture and religion as well as other factors such as experiences of violence have been shown to have a considerable influence on health.
As social determinants of health, they influence individual health burdens, the coping and resistance resources available in each case, as well as the health-relevant aspects of lifestyle and health care. An isolated view of just one single social determinant can lead to misinterpretation and failure to recognise more complex relationships. An intersectional perspective aims to reduce these blind spots by always considering several social determinants in their reciprocal, multiplicative rather than additive influence. With a critical focus on power and domination, an intersectional approach also identifies and analyses the structural, social, institutional and systemic causes of (health) inequality or discrimination that prevent equal opportunities. Intersectionality, social epidemiology and public health aim to reduce social and health inequalities.

The Competence Centre "Intersectionality and Health" (KIG) examines these social determinants in their interplay on health, which according to the WHO is understood not only as the absence of illness, but also as a state of comprehensive well-being.

The KIG brings together experts from various disciplines with the aim of pursuing social and health science research and practice from an intersectional perspective.

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Prof Dr Petra J. Brzank

As a sociologist with a doctorate in public health and proven expertise in empirical social research, she specialises in social epidemiology, the social determinants of health and, in particular, the factors of gender, migration and interpersonal violence. Research projects and a wide range of publications show her to be an expert in her field.

Main areas of research Prof Dr Brzank

  • Gender- and diversity-sensitive research methods
  • Social and health inequality
  • Interpersonal violence and health
  • Migration and health

Prof Dr Sabrina Schramme

contributes her knowledge of inclusive pedagogy, dealing with heterogeneity in the context of inclusive life course processes and intersectionality research. As a rehabilitation scientist, she is particularly interested in the power and domination-critical reference to inclusion, participation and social inequality, as well as a participatory focus on biographical aspects in research. These contribute to developing a comprehensive view of intersectionality and health in various social contexts.

Main areas of research Prof Dr Schramme

  • Inclusive pedagogy
  • Intersectionality research, social inequality, power and power relations
  • Biographical research, biographical perspectives across the lifespan
  • Disability, Gender and Queer Studies;
  • Diversity and sensitisation for diversity

Prof Dr Stefan Siegel

deals in particular with questions of access to healthcare. What role do social categories and their interdependencies in combination with structural, systemic barriers play in the (non-)utilisation and provision of healthcare? Why do people of a certain gender and origin, for example, utilise or not utilise outpatient psychotherapeutic or medical services for certain people of a different gender and origin? What, if any, discriminatory or violent experiences are certain people with certain social category constellations exposed to (e.g. in obstetrics) and others are not? Why are certain people offered healthcare services and others are unaware of them? What structural changes would need to be made to healthcare provision to ensure greater health equality? The focus is on intersectional care research in the so-called "last mile of care systems."

Main areas of research Prof. Dr Siegel

  • Psychiatry
  • Psychotherapy
  • Health services research
  • Sexology

Kristina Winter, M.A.

is a sociologist with a research focus on (international) child and youth health, socialisation, sexual health and violence. Her quantitative and qualitative empirical social research focuses on the significance of health inequalities and equal opportunities as well as analysing possible protection and risk factors. When it comes to the important topic of "intersectionality and health" in particular, the focus must not be lost on the up-and-coming generation - because they form the foundation of future society.

Study on the counselling needs of queer adolescents/young adults in the Nordhausen area

In a cooperation between the children's and youth parliament, the Kreisjugendring e.V. and the Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences, the living situation and counselling needs of queer adolescents and young adults in the district of Nordhausen are to be qualitatively surveyed.

Studies on the specific life situation of queer adolescents and young adults show that queer-specific violence, such as marginalisation or bullying, is widespread. Queer adolescents and young adults have a higher risk of mental illness. This suggests a need for easily accessible and specialised services aimed at queer young people (e.g. counselling for bullying experiences, support with questions about gender identity or sexual orientation, support with coming out processes or legal advice). Accordingly, the planned qualitative interviews will focus on coming out processes, experiences at school and in the district of Nordhausen as well as counselling experiences and requests.

bisexual/biromantic, pansexual/biromantic, asexual/aromantic, trans*, inter*, non-binary, agender, bigender, multigender, genderfluid, queer or questioning (this list is not exhaustive, all identities of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum are addressed).

Project management:

Prof Dr Sabrina Schramme

Project collaboration:

Anna Zimmermann, student of curative education and research intern

Running time:

06/2023 - 02/2024

  1. CSDH (2008). Closing the gap in a generation: health equity through action on the social determinants of health. Final Report of the Commission on Social Determinants of Health. Geneva, World Health Organisation. ↩︎

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