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.
This 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
Research highlight: 'Child First' Justice
‘Child First’ Justice is a rights-based approach, whereby children coming to the attention of the Youth Justice System are seen as ‘children’ rather than as ‘offenders’.
Prioritising the child’s best interests, it is a constructive and future-focused approach, promoting the development of a pro-social identity for sustainable desistance, working collaboratively with children and their carers to encourage participation, engagement and social inclusion. Child First Justice focuses on prevention, diversion and minimal intervention to reduce the stigmatising effects of system contact.