Equality, diversity and inclusion
The Department of Sociology is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in everything we do. Our values inform our research and teaching. We strive to create working and learning environments that allow every student and member of staff to feel welcome and to reach their full potential.
Tackling the deeply intersectional challenges of inequality and disadvantage lies at the very core of the positively purposeful mission of our community. The Department of Sociology is very proud of its frank approach to EDI whilst critically recognising that we have a long way yet to go and much to do.
Professor Nik Brown, Head of Department
Diversity in research
Our research is underpinned by a commitment to EDI principles. Colleagues undertake research, publish, and engage with the public in a very wide variety of sociological areas, seeking to challenge forms of inequality and highlight the experiences of marginalised groups and communities.
We have led impactful research projects and initiatives that directly advance our EDI principles, including examples such as:
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Our diverse curriculum
Asking questions about equality and diversity is core to the work that sociologists do. Questions around race, gender, sexuality, age/generation, disabilities and class underpin our diverse curriculum.
We actively promote inclusive learning in all stages of curriculum design, delivery and assessment. Students are regularly consulted at every stage of their studies and we collect and act on student feedback around diversity and inclusion at module level.
Our teaching staff are committed to embedding anti-racist and anti-colonial initiatives into the design and delivery of our teaching, and to foster a welcoming and tolerant environment of inclusivity and diversity.
Equality, diversity and inclusivity lie at the heart of the disciplines of sociology and criminology and we ensure it is an integral feature in all our teaching and in student learning as we deliver, review, and develop our curriculum. All our students and staff benefit from the embedding of EDI in how we understand society.
Professor Ruth Penfold-Mounce, Deputy Head of Department, Teaching and Learning
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Our committee was formed in 2023 to coordinate our work to create a more equal, diverse and inclusive environment for work and study. It includes staff and student members. We meet regularly to review progress on a range of initiatives focused on race and ethnicity, gender and gender identity and disability inclusion.
Everyone in the department is encouraged to bring agenda items. The department’s Athena Swan Working Group provides regular updates to the EDI committee about the implementation of our Athena Swan Action Plan to improve gender equality.
Our commitments
We’re engaged in a variety of initiatives across the department, as well as actively engaging with University-wide initiatives to support our staff and students.
- Gender equality: We’ve made gender equality a priority. Our efforts were recognised with an Athena Swan Bronze Award in 2023.
- Race and equality: Our staff and students come from a range of backgrounds and nationalities. We thrive as a result of our diverse community.
- Widening participation: We believe the study of sociology should be open to all. The University offers a range of outreach schemes for 16-18 year old students.
- LGBTQ+: We’re dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ students and staff as part of our efforts to create a respectful community in which everyone can be themselves.
- Trans and non-binary: We provide a welcoming environment for people to be who they are, irrespective of their gender identity, and we value their unique contributions.
- Disability: We work closely with the University's Disability Services team to help make our learning and working environments accessible to everyone.
- Mental health: We have a dedicated Wellbeing Officer who provides tailored support to students experiencing difficulties.
- Parents and carers: We fully endorse University policies that enable our staff to work in family-friendly ways. Students who are parents or carers also receive additional support from the University and us throughout study.
So much good work goes on to enhance EDI in the department. Having a committee helps us coordinate our efforts and collaborate together to bring about further change.
Carol Robinson, Chair of the Department EDI Committee
Supporting staff and students
At York, we have various sources of support and information about equality, diversity and inclusion. Every department has an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion who acts as a visible and proactive advocate of EDI within their department.
Regular events are held to raise awareness of present-day barriers and highlight ongoing work to remove such challenges across the University.
