It is easy to fall into the familiar pattern of discussing equality issues in terms of gender, ethnicity or disability. This is problematic in three ways, it:

• Does not deal with many other types of disadvantage.
• Fails to take into account that much inequality cross-cuts a number of dimensions.
• Suggests that these groups are homogenous, therefore potentially crossing the fragile line that separates helpful generalisations which can enhance understanding to unhelpful stereotyping which can be oppressive.

In this section you will find materials relating to the broader context of understanding inequality, implications of this for practice, together with additional resources.

Introduction to cross-cutting disadvantages

This section contains research materials and resources that consider various combinations of disadvantage.

Implications for practice

This contains materials relating to multiculturalism at the individual and organisational levels, together with an exploration of the concept of intercultural understanding.

References and Resources

The materials included in this section have been suggested by users of the forum. They concern research that addresses more than one dimension of inequality. Resources that are specific to one aspect of inequality e.g. gender, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation are included under those relevant sections.