Using data when we talk about equity
What’s the issue?
When we teach our FrankCapability learners how to approach a policy problem, we often get asked something. How can policy people talk about inequity while avoiding deficit framing and negative stereotypes? Part of the answer lies in how we use data.
Why does it matter?
This article by Lani Evans outlines what can happen if we’re not careful with data – and although it’s aimed at the philanthropy sector, it’s got a lot of relevance for policy.
- We might take a narrow or simplistic view of complex issues, missing context.
- We can get hung up on quantitative evidence, and overlook the rich things qualitative evidence can also tell us.
- We can unfairly frame outcomes as negative. ‘Only’ achieving NCEA level 1 could be seen as bad – but if we really understood a young person’s life, it could be a story of success.
- We need to remember government data is often captured at stressful moments in someone’s life – like a Corrections sentence or contact with Oranga Tamariki. It’s a snapshot, not their whole story.
What’s the solution?
Equity is just one consideration when you’re working with data – and luckily for policy professionals, key thinkers are pushing the envelope.
- Te Mana Raraunga; The Māori Data Sovereignty Network is grappling with issues around Māori rights and interests in relation to data.
- The Pacific Data Sovereignty Network is forming a unified voice for collective guardianship of Pacific people’s data.
Check out their work for fresh ideas to strengthen your policy thinking.