Decoding intersectionality: A systematic review of gender and energy dynamics under the structural and situational effects of contexts

The existing literature on gender and energy intersectionality uses inductive and deductive methods to examine macro factors and macro-sociocultural structures. However, comparative research on the connection between affordable clean energy (SDG 7) and gender equality (SDG 5) has not been comprehensively reviewed. This study investigates the transformative interactions between SDGs 5 and 7, focusing on how gender influences energy access and vice versa. A four-step systematic literature review is used to analyze the SCOPUS dataset from 2018 to November 2022, categorizing data into renewable and sustainable energy sources, systems, and facilities and prominent studies related to SDG 5. The energy-gender transition nexus, according to the analysis, necessitates a nuanced comprehension of the context. Findings reveal that contextual factors have a role in shaping the unique characteristics of energy access and gender transition. However, there are shared components across different settings in terms of the limitations or facilitative measures for energy systems affecting gender concerns in two main ways: bringing about adverse changes to a current structure and modifying the existing structure without immediately manifesting benefits. Therefore, it is essential to examine the relationship between gender and energy not just within specific situations, but also to understand how the socio-cultural patterns within these contexts contribute to comparable patterns and responses on a global level.