This module examines and explores the underpinning elements for action on equality data collection and analysis in seeking to prevent and address systemic discrimination.

 It first establishes the nature and impact of systemic discrimination.

 It then examines equality data and the role of such data in responding to systemic discrimination.

 Finally, it explores the challenges faced in collecting equality data and the principles that need to be respected in meeting these challenges.

To complete the module, start by watching the explanatory video. Then, think about how to address the situations brought forward in the food for thought exercises in box #2. When doing this, please keep in mind the learnings from the video. Once you have completed the exercise, go to box #3 and test your knowledge with the quiz questions. For each question, there is one correct answer and you will receive feedback after each question. Lastly, if you are involved in initiatives supporting action on systemic discrimination through equality data collection and analysis, use our checklist in box #4 to assess if you have considered all necessary elements to make them successful. If you are looking for further reading, you will find reference documents on the right-hand side of the page.

Exercise:

Your organisation, at its particular level of governance, is concerned to improve its collection and analysis of equality data.

  • What purpose would you identify as a priority for further equality data collection and analysis in your organisation?
  • What are the implications of this purpose for your approach to the collection and analysis of this equality data?

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1. What are the key features of systemic discrimination?

  • Inefficient and ineffective organisational systems.
  • (1)Organisational procedures, routines, and culture that result in disadvantage for particular groups.
  • Individual managers that make decisions that lead to exclusion of or discrimination against members of particular groups.

B best hits the mark. Systemic discrimination does involve inefficient and ineffective organisation systems, but it goes beyond poor performance of an organisation in specifically disadvantaging particular groups in the outcomes achieved from these systems. While individuals might at some point design and implement the procedures and routines of an organisation, systemic discrimination looks beyond individual acts of discrimination to capture the discrimination that emerges from the manner in which key institutions function – a form of discrimination that is often without intent.

2. What are the key contributions of equality data to addressing systemic discrimination?

  • Equality data enable an organisation to protect itself from criticism and from claims of discrimination.
  • Equality data provide insights into the issues within communities experiencing inequality.
  • (1)Equality data make systemic discrimination visible; and equality data provide an evidence-base to inform responses to systemic discrimination.

C best hits the mark. Equality data are collected for a purpose, a purpose that is to the benefit of those that are the subject of the data being gathered and analysed. In making systemic discrimination visible, they enable and inform review and redesign of procedures and routines and reshaping of organisational culture to achieve more equal outcomes form these groups from the functions of the organisation. There might be secondary benefits to the gathering of such data that include protection for the organisation or better understanding of the internal dynamics of communities, this cannot be the primary purpose for their collection in seeking to prevent and address systemic discrimination.

3. How should the value of participation be engaged in equality data collection and analysis?

  • Participation is about getting the key stakeholder organisations around the table to get their input into the data collection initiative.
  • (1)Participation is about involving those who are subject of data collection as co-producers of any such initiative.
  • Participation is about giving feedback to the communities involved on the what the issues that the equality data is pointing to.

B best hits the mark. Co-production with those who are the subject of equality data collection places these groups at the centre of the process. There are other stakeholder organisations that can usefully be involved, but that is a secondary concern. Feedback is an important element within co-production, but it is not sufficient of itself.

Knowledge test results

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In taking initiatives to support action on systemic discrimination through equality data collection and analysis, have you created the foundations necessary for an effective approach?

This is the case if:

  • A specific purpose has been established and communicated, for which the equality data is to be collected and analysed.
  • Processes to empower those who are the subject of the equality data to be collected and analysed, have been implemented, including communication with these communities, strengthening relationships of trust, and engaging representatives in co-production of the equality data initiatives or strategies.
  • Institutional commitments to take action to address systemic discrimination, in policy and practice, have been made, to accompany and respond to the learning from the equality data collected and analysed.

0/3 points