1. Can you briefly describe your role as an accompanying researcher in this project?
My part of the project revolves around equality data and specifically involves developing a number of background questions in questionnaire form that cover all seven grounds for discrimination and which the target group will then answer based on the principle of self-identification. In Sweden, it is almost always customary to ask about gender and age in surveys and various types of self-response forms, but at the same time we rarely receive questions about sexual orientation or skin colour, for example.
2. What are the most interesting or unexpected insights you have seen so far in your research?
I have become more aware of the importance of anchoring the work of introducing and practising equality data, both within management and among employees and the target group.
3. What are the main challenges you have encountered in your role as an accompanying researcher?
The big challenge is that knowledge of what equality data is is not always widespread and, not least, there are some negative as well as incorrect rumours surrounding the issue.
More about Tobias
Tobias Hübinette is Associate Professor of Intercultural Education and Lecturer in Intercultural Studies at Karlstad University. His research includes critical race and whiteness studies, research on minorities, migration, adoption, Asians and Swedishness. He has co-authored with the Multicultural Centre the report "What is equality data?", a scientific overview that aims to explain what equality data is and why it is necessary to collect.
The overarching aim of the accompanying research is to develop an instrument for the collection of equality data. Equality data is the name of a method used to ethically, legally and scientifically produce knowledge that can form the basis for a conscious and active equality and anti-discrimination policy. The method involves regular surveys and monitoring over time.
At its core, equality data is about allowing individuals and groups to define themselves on an anonymous and voluntary basis, rather than relying on existing population registers, where residents are pre-categorised by the state and authorities without ever being asked how they identify themselves.
The collection method is often questionnaires and written surveys, but it can also involve interviews, observations and other collection methods. Ideally, the seven statutory grounds for discrimination should always be included. That is, questions about gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, transgender identity or expression, and ethnicity. Full anonymity must always be guaranteed.
Tobias Hübinette will mainly support the project's own investigators in developing a tool for collecting equality data and analysing the results of the collected material. He will also assist in the anchoring work at the management level. He will be involved in all aspects of the research including ethical applications and management, data collection, data analysis and dissemination of the results. Tobias will also assist in developing a methodological support for equality data that can be used in coordination association-funded activities.
Earlier this autumn, Tobias gave a lecture on Equality Data together with Kitimbwa Sabuni, a recording of which is available in our knowledge bank.
Link: Equality data - an introduction - LumenaConecto
Picture of Tobias Hübinette. Photo: Karlstad University
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