Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The study, research and understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is, in different ways, an inherent part of most social science subjects. This is especially so in development studies, economics, geography, politics, international relations, sociology and business and management.

Issues of EDI have existed as long as society has. Different dimensions include ethnicity, racial diversity and inclusion; gender equality; and socio-economic inequalities.  These issues have taken different forms and affected various groups and places at different times. Today, the UK focusses particularly on addressing ethnic and racial inequality, and economic and employment inequality between regions. Many universities and social science societies also seek to address EDI more fully in university applications and student support, in teaching and the curriculum, and in university staff and postgraduate composition.

Data on EDI

Some EDI data are regularly collected and reported, such as ethnicity of UK university staff and students. Good EDI data can be more difficult to collect and access in some other settings. Data for 2023/24 (HESA).

  • 57%

    of social science students at UK universities were female.

     

  • 27%

    of UK social science students of a known ethnicity at university were from minority ethnic groups, including 8% Black and 12% Asian.

  • 18%

    of social science students at UK universities declared a disability.

  • 29%

    of social science students at UK universities were non-UK domiciled.

  • 12%

    of social science academic staff (FTE) were from minority ethnic groups, inc. 3% Black and 6% Asian; and 51% were female.

  • 35%

    of social science academic staff (FTE) had a non-UK nationality.

The EDI Project

A joint project on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) between AcSS, its member Social Science Societies and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to support sharing good practice and intervening to effect positive change.

Our EDI Statement

The Academy of Social Sciences is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) among our staff, trustees, committee members, Fellowship and wider community; and across our activities. We believe that the promotion of equality and diversity should be core values in the advancement of the social sciences.