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FrameWorks UK

Equity

How we talk about equity can shift and change how people think about it. It can reveal the root causes of racial and social disparities. It can elevate equity-focused policy.

We can’t get to the society we want without talking about racial, social, and economic equity. But if communications aren’t framed carefully, they can backfire, and opportunities to build support for change can be missed.

FrameWorks’ research on issues ranging from justice reform, residential segregation, and health disparities highlights the need to explain how social issues work, lead with shared values, and spotlight solutions.

Explore these resources to find out what to emphasize, and what to avoid when talking about equity.

Featured Work

Young girl with hand raised in front of collage of education images
Report

Advancing Anti-Racist Education

How School Leaders Can Navigate the Moral Panic about “Critical Race Theory”
Report

Navigating Cultural Mindsets of Race and Place in the United States

The places where we live shape our lives. Structural racism has shaped and continues to shape where and how Americans live.
Framing Resource

Talking about Health Equity

Here are three sample definitions that use the phrases “fair and full” or “fair and just,” which can complement or replace the word equity.

Showing 37 – 48 of 53

External article

Black and Brown Boys Don’t Need to Learn ‘Grit,’ They Need Schools to Stop Being Racist

In this article for the Hechinger Report, Moira O’Neil, FrameWorks’ directory of research interpretation and application, explains how framing resilience as “grit” undermines support for...
Report

“You Only Pray that Somebody Would Step In”: Mapping the Gaps Between Expert and Public Understandings of Elder Abuse in America

Elder abuse is a topic that most people would rather not think about, but they carry assumptions nonetheless. This study maps public thinking on elder justice.
Report

The Power of Explanation: Reframing STEM and Informal Learning

Expanding STEM education should be a no-brainer - but Americans assume it's not for everyone. Explanation can help us talk about STEM in ways that resonate.
Report

Aging, Agency, and Attribution of Responsibility: Shifting Public Discourse about Older Adults

Ageism is alive and well in the media. But how can we make sure it's not in our advocacy communications, too?
Report

Gauging Aging: Mapping the Gaps Between Expert and Public Understandings of Aging in America

This comparison of public and expert thinking on aging identifies challenges in building support for policies that promote the well-being of older Americans.
Report

“It’s Hard to Wrap Your Head Around”: Mapping the Gaps Between Expert and Public Understandings of Child Maltreatment and Child Sexual Abuse in Alberta

People would rather not think about child sexual abuse - but they hold deep assumptions nonetheless. A map of public thinking helps us navigate them.
Report

‘Like a Holiday Camp’: Mapping the Gaps on Criminal Justice Reform in England and Wales

This report documents differences in how experts and members of the public understand criminal justice issues.
Report

Talking Justice Reform and Public Safety: A FrameWorks Message Memo

This MessageMemo outlines framing strategies that prompt people to rethink deterrence– and consider alternatives to punishment.
Report

Getting to “We”: Mapping the Gaps Between Expert and Public Understandings of Immigration and Immigration Reform

This report lays the groundwork for a larger effort to reframe the public debate on immigration and immigration reform.
Report

Missing Matter: Holes in the Media Narrative about Informal and Formal STEM Learning

This report analyzes how media coverage frames STEM learning, informal STEM learning, and related issues.
Report

Narrative Holes in STEM Storytelling: A Field Frame Analysis

The field of STEM learning advocacy is growing - but are we telling the full story? This study of organizational communications finds what we're leaving out.
Report

Framing and Facts: Necessary Synergies in Communicating about Public Safety and Criminal Justice

The data on racial disparities in the justice system is clear to advocates - but misinterpreted by the public. Values messages can help us be heard and understood.