Dimensions of inequality

Understanding and challenging inequality, discrimination and exclusion in an unequal world

At a time when inequality is growing nationally and globally, our research is leading the way in enhancing understandings of the major social divisions that structure society. This involves the vital task of explaining how divisions and discrimination act to marginalise and stigmatise individuals, groups and communities and how real-world changes can be made to create a fairer and more just world.

Grounded in our expertise in diverse traditional and innovative social research methods and supported by a range of collaborations with key stakeholders and partners, our team is engaged in furthering knowledge and shaping policy across a range of important contemporary issues. We are renowned for our world-leading research on poverty and living standards which has made valuable contributions to debates about fair and dignified access to resources and services. Our interdisciplinary research exposes the harms of discrimination based on gender, sexual identity, race, ethnicity and religion and makes interventions with real-world impact which are helping individuals and communities overcome marginalisation and achieve equal access to justice, health, wellbeing, digital spaces and culture participation.

Research on different dimensions of inequality is conducted across the full span of disciplines represented in the School, with particular concentrations in the Centre for Research in Social Policy and the Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy Division, but also in the Centre for Research In Communication and Culture, in the research groupings and networks linked to migration and to children, youth and families in the Geography and Environment Division, and in the interdisciplinary Nationalism NetworkThis work supports the University’s commitment to vibrant and inclusive communities and contributes towards the realisation of Sustainable Development Goals including SDG 1 No Poverty, SDG 5 Gender Equality and SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities.

For more information contact Dr Thomas Thurnell-Read

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