Geographies of Ethnic Diversity and Inequalities (GEDI)

Lead Research Organisation: Queen's University Belfast
Department Name: Sch of Natural and Built Environment

Abstract

This project aims to provide timely and impactful evidence on the ways in which ethnic diversity has grown, and the nature of the differing - and persistently unequal - neighbourhood experiences of people from different ethnic backgrounds. Where, and why, are neighbourhoods becoming more ethnically diverse? What are the processes that shape these local patterns? Have ethnic inequalities widened, and what is the geography of disadvantage? We will answer these, and related, questions through an innovative integration of previously disparate research strands on ethnic diversity, residential segregation, ethnic inequalities, and internal migration.

The UK's population, households and neighbourhoods are becoming increasingly ethnically and racially mixed and diverse. Alongside these demographic changes, the uneven impacts of, for example, the COVID-19 pandemic, austerity measures, and Brexit, have shone a light on persistent ethnic and racial disadvantages, between people and across local areas. The Census provides the most comprehensive data available on small area ethnic group populations, and the publication of 2021 data thus represents an important opportunity to understand societal change at the local level. The project team will undertake a combination of rapid response and sustained analyses of 2021 Census ethnic group data and explore change over time (from 1991) in England and Wales, expanding to Northern Ireland and Scotland as 2021/22 Census data are published.

The proposed collaboration between the Office for National Statistics (ONS), leading UK- and US-based scholars in the field, and project partners the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) and Runnymede Trust, brings together a team with significant collective experience and expertise. Supported by a Project Advisory Group from central and local government and the third sector, the team will explore pressing research questions, advance the scholarly literature, and generate a rich and robust evidence base for a diversity of user groups.

This 38-month project has three main, inter-related, work packages (WPs), each of which offer considerable originality. Each WP is aligned with Census data publication phases, and with complementary academic outputs and impact-related activities. WP1 (Ethnic diversity, segregation and mixing) aims to map and analyse the new, emerging and stable geographies of ethnic diversity, to understand better the dynamics of neighbourhood transitions by considering layers of mixing between individuals, households and the spaces in which people live, and to explore how ethnic, socio-economic and age segregation inter-relate. WP2 (Socio-spatial ethnic inequalities) will document, analyse and explain the extent and persistence of local ethnic inequalities, and how experiences of neighbourhood deprivation vary between ethnic groups. WP3 (Internal migration and (im)mobility) will pay greater attention to the processes that shape ethnic residential patterns, including the role of ethnic group differences in internal migration in changing neighbourhood ethnic concentrations and deprivation.

Academic outputs will include articles in leading international journals, conference presentations, and project events. Pathways to impact are interwoven throughout the project to ensure that the findings are accessible, open, and useful for a range of user beneficiaries (e.g., Departments for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and Work and Pensions, Local Authority (LA) and third sector analysts, inquiring citizens). Outputs include co-produced ONS Census Topic Publications, 2021 Census briefings, LA analysis toolkit (briefings, 'how to' guide, workshops), school educational resources, knowledge exchange events, and a dedicated web resource (outputs, code, interactive mapping tool). The project has significant potential to transform policy, political and public understandings of how the UK's population, and its neighbourhoods, are changing.

Publications

10 25 50
 
Description PhD Collaborative Studentship
Amount £70,000 (GBP)
Organisation Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 01/2024 
End 12/2027
 
Title Ethnic Group Deprivation Index (EGDI) 
Description New research dataset: a highly novel Ethnic Group Deprivation Index (EGDI). The EGDI draws on 2021 Census data for England and Wales, on employment, housing, education and health by ethnic group, and is designed to capture the small area geographies of ethnic inequalities. The methodological approach for the creation of the EGDI broadly follows the methodology underlying the indices of multiple deprivation (IMDs) based on distinct deprivation domains, but which with the EGDI are combined into an index including each individual ethnic group separately. The new method distinguishes levels of neighbourhood deprivation among different ethnic groups. Empirically, this approach provides new insights and evidence that a place that is deprived for one ethnic group is not necessarily deprived for another. In other words, the EGDI reveals neighbourhood geographies of deprivation for ethnic groups and shows that they are not ubiquitous across groups. Discussion of the development of the dataset including its methodology and empirical results is published in The Geographical Journal; Lloyd et al. (2023). The EGDI has received considerable attention within and outside academia. Collaborations are under development with senior analysts in Local Authorities, NHS Trusts, and the third sector. These senior analysts, who are working on equalities strategies, health, planning and housing, have requested bespoke data extracts for their local areas, guidance on the use and interpretation of the EGDI, etc. This is being supported by a series of webinars, and the development of guidance documentation. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2024 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Ongoing collaborations with several Local Authorities, an NHS Trust, and several third sector organisations (charities) who are all keen to use the EGDI to support their analysis and policy-making around areas of ethnic equality strategy, housing, planning, and health. 
URL https://rgs-ibg.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/geoj.12563
 
Description BBC National (UK) in-depth feature 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact In-depth coverage of GEDI analysis. The article was in top ten most read stories and front page of BBC News online. Press release issued jointly by Queen's University Belfast and the Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers on increasing ethnic diversity in England and Wales. Outcome: improved public understandings of increasing ethnic diversity and mixing and decreasing ethnic residential segregation in neighbourhoods in England and Wales. Possible change in public attitudes. Follow-up interviews and requests for further information. Date: 17th January 2023. Interviewee: Gemma Catney.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64263443
 
Description BBC One (UK) TV media coverage 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact TV media coverage on BBC One news sessions (following press release from Queen's University Belfast and the Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers). Theme: Increasing ethnic diversity in England and Wales. Outcome: improved public understandings of increasing ethnic diversity and mixing and decreasing ethnic residential segregation in neighbourhoods in England and Wales. Possible change in public attitudes. Date: 18th January 2023. Interviewee: Gemma Catney.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description BBC One Scotland (TV) media coverage 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact TV coverage (rolling news sections) on BBC One Scotland (following press release from Queen's University Belfast and the Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers). Theme: Increasing ethnic diversity in England and Wales. Outcome: improved public understandings of increasing ethnic diversity and mixing and decreasing ethnic residential segregation in neighbourhoods in England and Wales. Possible change in public attitudes. Date: 18th January 2023. Interviewee: Gemma Catney.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description BBC Radio London media coverage 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact BBC Radio London media coverage during news sections (following press release from Queen's University Belfast and the Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers). Theme: Increasing ethnic diversity in England and Wales. Outcome: improved public understandings of increasing ethnic diversity and mixing and decreasing ethnic residential segregation in neighbourhoods in England and Wales. Possible change in public attitudes. Date: 18th January 2023. Interviewee: Gemma Catney.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description BSPS Conference presentation: Geographies of Ethnic Diversity and Inequalities (GEDI): Insights from Census 2021 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact Presentation at British Society for Population Studies annual conference, Keele University, 11-13th September 2023. 60-70 delegates attended the session - mainly academics but also analysts in local government and the Office for National Statistics. Presenter: Gemma Catney.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.lse.ac.uk/international-development/research/british-society-for-population-studies/annu...
 
Description Centre for Population Studies invited seminar: Geographies of Ethnic Diversity and Inequalities (GEDI): Insights from Census 2021 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Invited seminar as part of ESRC Centre for Population Change (CPC) Seminar Series (25th January 2024). 46 attendees from a range of statistical agencies (Office for National Statistics, National Records of Scotland) and local government, as well as several universities (across UK and Hong Kong). The Q and A session and follow-up emails included interest from local government analysts interested in using the project's Ethnic Group Deprivation Index (EGDI) for their own research. Presenter: Gemma Catney.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.cpc.ac.uk/activities/full_events_calendar/778/CPC_CG_Webinar__Gemma_Catney
 
Description Daily Mail in-depth feature (in print and online): Decreasing ethnic residential segregation, increasing ethnic diversity 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Full feature of research online and in print, following press release on increasing ethnic diversity and decreasing ethnic residential segregation in England and Wales. Press release issued jointly by Queen's University Belfast and the Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers. Outcome: possible change in public attitudes and understanding - of increased ethnic diversity and mixing in neighbourhoods in England and Wales, and decreasing ethnic residential segregation. Follow-up interviews and requests for information relate to sparked interest and change in attitudes. Date: 17th January 2023. Interviewee: Gemma Catney.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11643543/Luton-Slough-Newham-London-Englands-ethnically-div...
 
Description Dartmouth College Alumni event: Ethnic diversification and neighbourhood mixing: A rapid response analysis of the 2021 Census of England and Wales 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact 100 delegates attended this international in-person event (Italy), mostly Dartmouth alumni from business, politics, and other professions (some retirees). The event informed public understandings about the changing geographies of ethnic diversity in the UK. Presenter: Richard Wright. August 2023.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description GEDI Project Advisory Group Meeting 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Project Advisory Group Meeting 1: June 2023 (online to facilitate attendance across UK). Meeting with the GEDI Project Advisory Group (PAG), with representation from senior analysts in central and local government and the third sector. The project aims were presented and discussed. The first analyses from the GEDI project were presented and discussed. The meeting included a detailed discussion about GEDI's planned outputs for user beneficiaries. The PAG reported that they found the meeting helpful in planning how they will use the outputs from the project within their respective organisations. The GEDI team benefitted from the PAG's expertise and feedback. Chair: Gemma Catney.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description Geographical Association Educational Talk: The Changing Geographies of Ethnic Diversity 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact The Belfast Branch of the Geographical Association and Geography at Queen's University Belfast facilitate a programme of talks to support a range of Geography GCE AS and A2 units. 40 A Level school pupils and teachers attended in person and a further 130 joined online. Multiple schools reported increased interest in the subject area, and reported that the talk provided pupils and teachers with useful resources to support the CCEA's specifications on Ethnic Diversity - Processes that Create and Maintain Ethnic Diversity (A2 - Option C - Ethnic Diversity - Section 2). The slides were made available online via Queen's University Belfast's Public Engagement unit. Date: 10th October 2023. Presenter: Gemma Catney.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.qub.ac.uk/public-engagement/resources/
 
Description Live interview for national news: BBC News Channel (TV) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Live TV interview on BBC News Channel during peak lunchtime slot (following press release from Queen's University Belfast and the Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers). Theme: Increasing ethnic diversity in England and Wales.
Outcome: improved public understandings of increasing ethnic diversity and mixing and decreasing ethnic residential segregation in neighbourhoods in England and Wales. Possible change in public attitudes. Follow-up interviews and requests for further information.
Date: 17th January 2023. Interviewee: Gemma Catney.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
 
Description London Poverty Network seminar: Discover a tool to show ethnic inequality in London 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Third sector organisations
Results and Impact Invited workshop designed to explore the project's Ethnic Group Deprivation Index (EGDI) as a tool for measuring inequality that highlights the stark inequalities experienced by specific ethnic groups across London (and the rest of the UK). The workshop was hosted by 4 in 10 - a campaigning network of 400 London organisations working to improve the lives of children living in poverty across London. Detailed Q and A discussions were had about how the EGDI will be used by network members to demonstrate need and persistent ethnic inequalities. The meeting was followed by multiple follow-up requests for further information and collaboration. Date: 7th March 2024. Presenters: Christopher Lloyd and Gemma Catney
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/information-session-discover-a-tool-to-show-ethnic-inequality-in-lond...
 
Description Media coverage: Irish News 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Media coverage linked to launch of the GEDI project, increasing public and practitioner awareness of major project on ethnic diversity and inequalities. Press release from Queen's University Belfast. Article published online and in print version. 16th November 2022.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
URL https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2022/11/16/news/qub_researchers_get_1_million_fun...
 
Description Muslim Council of Britain Report Launch: 2021 Census: British Muslims 'Striving for Fairness' 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Third sector organisations
Results and Impact The Launch webinar for the MCB 'Striving for Fairness' report was Chaired by MCB Secretary General Zara Mohammed and attended by approximately 70 members of the Council, Interfaith Leaders, stakeholders in the equalities sector and members of the public. Key messages from the project, including the Ethnic Group Deprivation Index, were presented and discussed, leading to engaged debate about measurement of deprivation, spatial inequalities and potential implications for Levelling Up agendas. GEDI presenter: Nissa Finney
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://mcb.org.uk/2021-census-british-muslims-striving-for-fairness-report-launch/
 
Description The Conversation article: Census data shows England and Wales are more ethnically diverse - and less segregated - than ever before 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact This article drew on findings from one of the project's academic publications in The Geographical Journal, focused on declining residential segregation and increased ethnic diversity in neighbourhoods across England and Wales. The article was aimed at sharing the project findings in an accessible way to an informed general public and other readership. The article was shared widely on social media, and received comments and requests for further information. Readership to date: >7.5k, internationally. GEDI authors: Gemma Catney and Richard Wright.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://theconversation.com/census-data-shows-england-and-wales-are-more-ethnically-diverse-and-less...
 
Description The Economist media coverage (in print and online) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Media coverage of GEDI findings of decreasing ethnic residential segregation following request for additional Census analysis by The Economist correspondent. Outcome: improved public understandings of increasing ethnic diversity and mixing and decreasing ethnic residential segregation in neighbourhoods in England and Wales. Possible change in public attitudes. Date: 16th December 2023. Interviewee: Gemma Catney.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.economist.com/briefing/2023/12/14/brexit-hah-lockdowns-shrug-can-nothing-stop-london
 
Description The Guardian in-depth feature (in print and online): Decreasing ethnic residential segregation, increasing ethnic diversity 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Full feature of research online and in print, following press release on increasing ethnic diversity and decreasing ethnic residential segregation in England and Wales. Press release issued jointly by Queen's University Belfast and the Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers. Outcome: improved public understandings of increasing ethnic diversity and mixing and decreasing ethnic residential segregation in neighbourhoods in England and Wales. Possible change in public attitudes. Led to follow-up interviews and requests for further information. Date: 17th January 2023. Interviewee: Gemma Catney.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/jan/17/ethnic-segregation-in-england-and-wales-on-the-wane-...
 
Description The Guardian in-depth feature (in print and online): Hidden ethnic neighbourhood deprivation 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Full feature of research online (two articles) and in print, following press release on neighbourhood ethnic inequalities in England and Wales. Press release issued jointly by Queen's University Belfast and the Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers. Outcome: improved public understanding of pockets of hidden deprivation for minority ethnic groups. Follow-up interviews and requests for information reflected increased interest in neighbourhood ethnic deprivation, and possible change in awareness/attitudes. Date: 11th December 2023. Interviewees: Christopher Lloyd and Gemma Catney.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/dec/11/high-end-bikes-and-overcrowded-homes-where-poverty-h...
 
Description The Guardian in-depth feature (in print and online): Neighbourhood ethnic inequalities 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Full feature of research online (two articles) and in print, following press release on neighbourhood ethnic inequalities in England and Wales. Press release issued jointly by Queen's University Belfast and the Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers. Outcome: improved public understanding of pockets of hidden deprivation for minority ethnic groups. Follow-up interviews and requests for information reflected increased interest in neighbourhood ethnic deprivation, and possible change in awareness/attitudes. Date: 11th December 2023. Interviewees: Christopher Lloyd and Gemma Catney.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2023
URL https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/dec/11/more-than-a-million-living-in-pockets-of-hidden-pove...
 
Description The Guardian media coverage (in print and online) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Media coverage (online and in print) of GEDI research on declining ethnic residential segregation. Outcome: possible change in public attitudes and understanding of increased ethnic diversity and mixing in neighbourhoods in England and Wales, and decreasing ethnic residential segregation. Date: 28th February 2024. Interviewee: Gemma Catney.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2024
URL https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/28/the-guardian-view-on-london-diversity-thrives-...