The following glossary provides terms and definitions that will help you navigate and understand the topics addressed in these guidelines. If you are not familiar with some of these concepts, we encourage you to make them part of your vocabulary and use them in your everyday interactions. Using appropriate language when discussing topics relevant to diversity and inclusion is a subtle, yet powerful way to communicate awareness and interest in social issues!
A
AAPI or API
“Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders” or “Asian-Pacific Americans”. This label has widespread usage across educational and political contexts and was intended to cast off the derogatory “oriental” term in the 1960s. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders share a number of intersecting histories and issues. Still, it can be considered reductive or tough to relate to and unions and groups may prefer different terminology.
Ableism
Beliefs or practices that rest on the assumption that being able-bodied is ‘normal’ while other states of being need to be ‘fixed’ or altered. This can result in devaluing or discriminating against people with physical, intellectual or psychiatric disabilities. Institutionalized ableism may include or take the form of un/intentional organizational barriers that result in disparate treatment of people with disabilities.
Accessibility
The design and development of physical or digital environments, resources and services to ensure they are easy to access, navigate and use for all individuals, regardless of ability.
Ace
Ace is an umbrella term used to describe a variation in levels of romantic and/or sexual attraction, including a lack of attraction. Other families under the ace umbrella are graysexual (little sexual attraction), aromantic (no romantic attraction), and demisexual (sexual attraction after a strong emotional bond).
Accountability
Accountability refers to the responsibility individuals and communities take for their actions, ensuring that they are aligned with their goals and values. It involves recognizing and acknowledging the impact of those actions on others, particularly marginalized groups and being answerable for the outcomes. This concept emphasizes transparency, responsibility and a commitment to addressing any harm or disparities created by one's actions or decisions.
Acculturation
Acculturation is the process by which members of one cultural group adopt the practices, beliefs, language and behaviors of another culture, often resulting in a blend of cultural elements.
AFAB/AMAB
Assigned Female/Male At Birth are terms used to describe the sex designation given to an individual at birth, typically based on physical anatomy. Originally applied in medical contexts, these terms are now also used by transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals to discuss experiences related to gender identity that may not align with their birth assignment.
Affinity bias
The tendency to favor or feel more connected to people who share similar backgrounds, appearances or experiences to our own. This unconscious bias can influence decisions and interactions, often leading to favoritism toward those who feel familiar or relatable.
Affinity groups
Groups of individuals who come together based on shared interests, identities, or purposes, such as gender, age, race, religion or sexual orientation. These groups provide support, foster a sense of community and promote shared goals or advocacy efforts related to their common experiences or characteristics.
Affirmative action
A policy or practice that aims to improve opportunities for individuals from historically marginalized or underrepresented groups, often by giving preferential consideration in areas such as education, employment and recruitment. This approach seeks to address past discrimination and promote greater equity across social and economic sectors.
Agender
Agender means a person who does not identify themselves as having a particular gender.
Ageism
Ageism is the stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination against individuals or groups based on their age. This can affect people of any age, but it often targets older adults, influencing attitudes, behaviors and policies in ways that limit opportunities, respect and fair treatment.
Ally
An ally is someone who actively supports a social group other than their own by recognizing issues of disadvantage and oppression and taking action to promote equity and justice on behalf of others. Allies strive to use their privilege to uplift marginalized communities and advocate for systemic change.
Allyship
Allyship is the process in which people with privilege and power work to develop empathy towards to advance the interests of an oppressed or marginalized outgroup. Allyship is part of the anti-oppression or anti-racist conversation, which puts into use social justice theories and ideals. The goal of allyship is to create a culture in which the marginalized group feels supported.
Amplification
A technique used to ensure that voices from less dominant or marginalized groups are heard and credited. It involves actively repeating or highlighting someone’s message or idea, making it more visible and reinforcing its importance, often in settings where that person's voice might otherwise be overlooked.
Androcentrism
Androcentrism literally means male-centered. It is a system of thought that defines the worldview and social conceptions from an exclusively male perspective, presenting this viewpoint as universal and global.
Androgyne
Androgyne refers to a person who identifies or expresses a gender that is outside the traditional binary of male and female, often blending or embodying elements of both masculinity and femininity. Androgynes may present a gender expression that is fluid, ambiguous or a mix of traditionally male and female characteristics.
Anti-racism
Anti-racism is the active commitment to opposing racial injustice and discrimination through advocacy for political, economic and social change. It involves consciously examining and challenging one’s own biases, making thoughtful decisions to counteract racism in everyday actions and continuously engaging in self-reflection and self-improvement.
Arab
Arab refers to individuals with ethnic roots in Arabic-speaking countries across the Middle East and North Africa, including Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. While Arabs share a common linguistic and cultural heritage, Arab identity encompasses diverse traditions, religions and histories across these regions.
Asexual
Asexual refers to a person who does not experience sexual attraction to others. Asexuality is a spectrum and individuals may experience varying levels of attraction or desire for romantic, emotional, or other types of connections, even if they lack sexual attraction. Asexuality is a valid sexual orientation and can be part of diverse personal identities and experiences.
Assimilation
Assimilation is a term for the concept where an individual, family, or group gives up certain aspects of their culture to adapt to the beliefs, language, patterns, and behaviors of a new host country.
Atheism
Atheism is the absence of belief in the existence of God or gods. It encompasses both a lack of belief and active disbelief, varying from a simple absence of faith to a firm rejection of religious deities. Atheism is not a belief system but rather a position on the existence of divine beings.
Anti-oppressive approaches
Anti-oppression work critically recognises the oppression that exists in our society and attempts to mitigate its effects through actions and strategies that foster empowerment and emancipation of oppressed groups and individuals.
Attribution error
Attribution error is the cognitive bias of overvaluing personal characteristics in explaining others' behaviors while undervaluing situational factors, often leading to misinterpretations of their actions.
Awareness
Awareness refers to the conscious recognition of situations where the boundaries of others have been crossed, particularly concerning discrimination and violence. It encompasses sensitivity to an individual's well-being and aims to create an environment where everyone—regardless of gender, sexual orientation, skin color, origin, appearance, or physical abilities—feels comfortable, free, and safe. Awareness work focuses on preventing boundary violations and (sexualized) violence by educating individuals about existing structures and encouraging critical reflection on these issues.
B
Behavioural diversity
Behavioral diversity refers to the variety of personal experiences and perspectives that shape individuals' worldviews, fostering open-mindedness and acceptance of others who may be different.
Belonging
Belonging refers to the experience of being accepted and included within a community or group. It encompasses a sense of social connection and identification with others, contributing to an individual's overall well-being and sense of identity.
Bi-cultural
Bi-cultural refers to an identity that encompasses the combination of two distinct cultures, allowing individuals to navigate and integrate aspects of both into their sense of self.
Bias
Bias refers to systematic patterns in our thinking that lead us away from rational judgment, often resulting in unfair attitudes toward individuals, groups or concepts. This form of prejudice arises from our tendency to quickly categorize people, which can be either favorable or unfavorable. Implicit or hidden bias occurs unconsciously, influenced by cultural stereotypes rather than thoughtful evaluation and typically manifests in ways that perpetuate inequality and discrimination.
Biphobia
Biphobia refers to the irrational fear, prejudice, or antipathy toward individuals who identify as bisexual, as well as the concept of bisexuality itself. This bias can manifest as overt discrimination and negative attitudes, as well as in subtler forms, including dismissive comments, stereotypes, and the invalidation of bisexual identities.
BIPoC
An acronym used to refer to Black, Indigenous and People of Color. It is based on the recognition of collective experiences of systemic racism. As with any other identity terms, it is up to affected individuals to use this term as an identifier.
Birth Assigned Sex
Birth Assigned Sex refers to the designation given to an individual at birth based on their biological, hormonal, and genetic characteristics. This classification typically categorizes individuals as male or female, based on observable anatomy and may not necessarily align with their gender identity later in life.
Bisexual
Bisexual, often abbreviated as "Bi," refers to individuals who experience attraction to people of two or more genders. This term encompasses a range of attractions and may include those who identify as bisexual, pansexual, bi-curious, queer, or other non-monosexual identities, reflecting the diverse ways individuals understand and express their sexual orientation.
BME or BAME
Acronym for “Black, Asian and minority ethnic” that was frequently used particularly in the UK. In recent years, it has been dropped in favor of “ethnic minorities” or “people from ethnic minority backgrounds” because it was found that aggregated terms like BAME disguise huge difference between the ethnic groups they lump together.
Braille
Braille is a tactile writing system composed of raised dots that represent letters and characters, allowing individuals who are blind or have low vision to read and write. It is not a language itself but a code that enables literacy and access to written information for all.
Bullying
A repeated aggressive behavior where one person or group intentionally causes harm, distress, or intimidation to another person or group, often targeting perceived vulnerabilities. Bullying can be physical, verbal, or social and may occur in various settings, including schools, workplaces, and online (cyberbullying).
Butch
Butch refers to a person, typically a woman, who presents in a stereotypically masculine manner or embodies masculine traits. This term is often used within the LGBTQ+ community to denote a dominant role in a lesbian relationship, though it can also signify a broader identity related to gender expression and sexuality.
C
Caucuses
Caucuses are groups that create safe spaces for individuals to collaborate, discuss, and advocate within their own racial or ethnic communities.
Cisgender or cis
Cisgender, often abbreviated as "cis," refers to individuals whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. This term is used to acknowledge and affirm the existence of transgender individuals, highlighting that gender identity can differ from assigned sex.
Classism
Classism is a term that means to have prejudicial thoughts or to discriminate against a person or group based on differences in socioeconomic status and income level.
Code-switching
Code-switching means when a person changes the way they express themselves culturally and linguistically based on different parts of their identity and how they are represented in the group they’re with.
Cognitive diversity
Cognitive diversity refers to the variety of perspectives, thought processes, and problem-solving approaches that individuals bring based on their unique experiences, backgrounds and ways of thinking.
Color Blind(ness)
Color Blind(ness) or being Color Blind means treating people as equally as possible without regard to race, culture, or ethnicity.
Collusion
Collusion is when a person acts to perpetuate oppression or prevent people from working to eliminate oppression.
Colonization
Colonization refers to the process by which one group invades, controls and often displaces or oppresses another group, typically to exploit resources, establish dominance or expand territory. This often involves the dispossession of land, suppression of cultural practices and imposition of the colonizers' language, laws and social systems on the indigenous or underrepresented population.
Color Brave
Color Brave is when a person has conversations about race that can help people better understand each other’s perspectives and experiences to improve inclusiveness in future generations.
Coming out
Coming out refers to the process of disclosing one’s sexual orientation or gender identity to others, often described as "coming out of the closet." This personal journey involves sharing one’s authentic self with friends, family and the community, and can be an important step in embracing one's identity.
Communities of color
Communities of Color is used in the United States to describe groups of people who are not identified as White, with emphasis on common experiences of racism.
Confirmation bias
Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek out, interpret or focus on information that confirms one’s preexisting beliefs or opinions, often disregarding evidence that contradicts them.
Conscious prejudice
Conscious prejudice refers to preconceived, usually negative feelings toward individuals based solely on their group membership, such as religion, race, ethnicity or age.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to the practice of good corporate citizenship, where businesses go beyond profit maximization to create a positive impact on communities and society as a whole.
Cover
Covering is the act of intentionally downplaying, concealing or omitting aspects of a known, stigmatized identity in order to blend in with the dominant culture or avoid discrimination.
Creative abrasion
Creative abrasion is a culture and practice where ideas are productively challenged, allowing for spirited, yet healthy, debates. It involves having heated discussions to generate a diverse portfolio of alternative ideas and solutions.
Critical Race Theory
Critical Race Theory is a conceptual framework that examines how historical laws, policies and social structures contribute to present-day racial inequality. It explores the ways in which systemic racism is embedded within legal and social institutions, perpetuating disparities across generations.
Cross-dresser
A cross-dresser refers to individuals who wear clothing typically associated with a different gender than the one they identify with. This practice may be motivated by personal expression, comfort, or performance and does not necessarily indicate a person's gender identity.
Cultural appropriation
Cultural appropriation refers to the act of adopting elements of a minority culture by individuals from a dominant culture, often without consent or a proper understanding of their significance. Originally coined to describe the impacts of colonialism, the term highlights the problematic nature of using cultural symbols, art, language, customs and styles for personal gain or profit, especially when it perpetuates disrespectful cultural or racial stereotypes.
Cultural identity
Cultural Identity means the identity or feeling of belonging to a group based on nationality, ethnicity, religion, social class, generation, locality, or other types of social groups that have their own distinct culture.
Culture
Culture is a social system of shared beliefs, values, practices and customs that a group develops to adapt, maintain cohesion and endure. Culture includes norms related to gender, race, class, sexual orientation, ethnic identity and other dimensions of human identity and relationships, which shape both individual and collective belonging and experiences within society.
Culture add
Culture Add refers to people who value company culture and standards, as well as bringing an aspect of diversity that positively contributes to the organization.
Culture fit
Individual attitudes, values, behaviours, and beliefs being in line with the core values and culture of an organization. Culture Add, defined above, is becoming a preferred alternative to Culture Fit.
D
Deadnaming
Deadnaming refers to the act of calling someone by their birth name (also known as deadname) after they have transitioned and chosen a new name, often associated with transgender individuals. This practice can be hurtful and invalidating, as it disregards a person's identity and their journey.
Decolonization
Decolonization refers to the active resistance and movement by indigenous cultural groups against colonial powers, aimed at reclaiming autonomy, cultural identity and self-determination. It involves challenging colonial narratives and structures to restore and celebrate indigenous traditions and rights.
Demisexual
Demisexuality is a sexual orientation in which individuals experience sexual attraction only after forming a close emotional connection with someone.
Diaspora
A diaspora is a scattered population that originates from a different geographical area. It refers to the voluntary or forced movement of people from their homeland to new regions, resulting in the dispersion of cultural, social and ethnic groups.
Differbility or Diffability
Differbility and Diffability are terms that combine the words "different" and "ability." They serve as alternatives to the word "disability," aiming to remove the negative connotations traditionally associated with disabilities.
Disability
A disability refers to a physical or mental impairment that limits movements, senses, activities, or emotions, and has a long-term impact on a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day activities. More comprehensive definitions highlight that disability should be understood as a lived experience, shaped by surviving within an oppressive, ableist system. The term "person with a disability" is considered more inclusive and less biased, emphasizing the individual first, rather than focusing solely on the condition.
Disablism
Disablism means promoting the unequal or differential treatment of people with actual or presumed disabilities; either consciously or unconsciously.
Discrimination
Different from prejudice, discrimination is the behaviour or action (usually negative) against a certain individual or group based on their shared characteristics (race, gender, social class, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion, national origin, age, physical or mental abilities, and other categories that may result in differences).
Diversity
Diversity is defined as individual differences between groups based on such things as: abilities, age, disability, learning styles, life experiences, neurodiversity, race/ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, country of origin, cultural, political or religious affiliation, any other difference.
Dominant culture
A cultural practice that is dominant within a particular political, social or economic entity, in which multiple cultures are present. It may refer to a language, religion/ritual, social value and/or social custom.
Drag Queen/King
A Drag Queen is an entertainer who performs femininity, often through comedy or pageantry, for the purpose of entertainment. Conversely, a Drag King performs masculinity. Both forms of drag challenge traditional gender norms and celebrate self-expression through elaborate costumes, makeup and performance.
E
Emotional tax
The combination of being on guard to protect against bias, feeling different at work because of gender, race, and/or ethnicity, and the associated effects on health, well-being and ability to thrive at work.
Enby
“Enby” is a phonetic abbreviation of "NB," short for nonbinary, describing individuals who do not exclusively identify as male or female. This term reflects an identity outside traditional gender binaries, challenging cultural norms that often follow dichotomies—such as male-female—in understanding gender. Nonbinary identities offer a way to move beyond these rigid classifications, embracing a more fluid perspective on gender.
Equality
The term "Equality" (in the context of diversity) is typically defined as treating everyone the same and giving everyone access to the same opportunities.
Equity
Equity refers to the fair treatment, access, opportunity and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that prevent the full participation of some groups. The principle of equity acknowledges that there are historically underserved and underrepresented populations and that fairness regarding these unbalanced conditions is necessary to provide equal opportunities to all groups.
Ethnicity
Ethnicity refers to a group of people whose members identify with each other through a common heritage, often consisting of a common language, common culture (which can include a religion) and/or an ideology which stresses a common ancestry. It is the way that most countries and peoples choose to delineate groups and has superseded the idea of ‘race’.
Ethnic diversity
Ethnic diversity refers to the presence of a variety of ethnic groups, backgrounds and identities within a society or community.
Ethnocentrism
The tendency to believe that your own ethnic group is centrally important and measure all others using the standards and customs of your own.
ETR
Easy to Read is a standard for creating texts that are easy to read and understand. It was created with the needs of people with intellectual disabilities in mind, but texts prepared in this manner may also be useful to people with cognitive difficulties, second-language speakers, people with mental health issues, people who have poor knowledge of a language, or people who are stressed or in a hurry. ETR texts are written in simple, short, jargon-free sentences, accompanied by images.
Eurocentrism
The belief system that positions Europe as the central force in shaping world history, promoting universal values and representing progress and development, often overlooking or minimizing the contributions of other cultures.
Exclusion
Exclusion means leaving someone out or denying them access based on their differences. These differences can be related to race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, class or other social characteristics.
F
Femme
Femme is a term used within the LGBT community to describe individuals who express themselves in ways typically considered feminine, regardless of their gender identity, often as a form of self-expression that challenges traditional gender norms.
FLINTA
FLINTA (also: FLINTA*, FLINTA+) is an acronym used to describe groups of people other than cisgender men that stands for female, lesbian, intersex, non-binary, trans, and agender. The asterisk or plus at the end can be added to include individuals whose gender identities are not explicitly mentioned but are still covered, such as genderfluid, bigender or genderqueer people.
Folx
Folx is an inclusive term used as an umbrella to refer to people with non-normative sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, emphasizing a sense of community and solidarity among diverse individuals.
FTM
FTM is an acronym for the Female-to-Male Spectrum. FTM is used by people who are assigned female at birth but identify with or express their gender as a male part of the time.
G
Gay
Gay is an umbrella term used to refer to people who experience a same-sex or same-gender attraction. Gay is also an identity term used to describe a male-identified person who is attracted to other male-identified people in a romantic, sexual and/or emotional sense.
Gender
Gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviors, activities, and attributes that society considers appropriate for individuals based on their perceived sex. It is distinct from biological sex, which classifies individuals as male or female based on physiological characteristics. Gender encompasses the culturally constructed aspects of identity, including what is typically considered feminine or masculine within a culture. This understanding aligns with the insights of feminist writer Simone de Beauvoir, who, in her seminal work The Second Sex (1949), argued that one is not born a woman but becomes one through societal influences. De Beauvoir emphasized that the differences between women and men are not innate but rather a product of social constructs and norms.
Gender binary
The Gender Binary is a term used to describe the classification system that defines gender strictly as two categories: male and female. This binary framework reflects society's tendency to construct identity and social roles in dichotomies, where traits, behaviors and identities are divided into opposite categories. However, this perspective is limiting, as it overlooks the diversity of gender experiences and identities that exist beyond these two options.
Gender mainstreaming
Gender Mainstreaming is a globally accepted strategy for promoting gender equality. Mainstreaming is not an end in itself but a strategy, an approach, a means to achieve the goal of gender equality. Mainstreaming involves ensuring that gender perspectives and attention to the goal of gender equality are central to all activities - policy development, research, advocacy/ dialogue, legislation, resource allocation, and planning, implementation and monitoring of programmes, projects and activities.
Gender minorities
Sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations include, but are not limited to, individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, transgender, queer, and/or intersex. Individuals with same-sex or -gender attractions or behaviours and those with a difference in sex development are also included. These populations also encompass those who do not self-identify with one of these terms but whose sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or reproductive development is characterized by non-binary constructs of sexual orientation, gender, and/or sex.
Gender neutral
Gender Neutral, or Gender Neutrality, refers to the principle that policies, language, and social institutions should avoid distinguishing roles based on sex or gender to promote equality and prevent discrimination. This approach fosters inclusivity by recognizing diverse gender identities and expressions, supporting a society that values all individuals beyond traditional gender roles.
Gender non-conforming
Gender Non-Conforming (GNC), sometimes called Gender-Variant, refers to a way of identifying and/or expressing oneself outside the binary gender categories of male/masculine and female/feminine.
Gender norms/ roles
A Gender Role is a socially assigned expectation or cultural norm related to behaviour, mannerisms, dress, etc. based on gender. Gender roles can lead to harmful gender stereotypes about how genders should feel, look and behave.
H
I
Inclusion
The term Inclusion refers to the process of bringing people that are traditionally excluded into decision making processes, activities, or positions of power. Inclusion is the result of welcoming, respecting, supporting, involving, valuing and empowering those around you equally.
Inclusive language
Refers to the use of gender-affirming and intersectional language that avoids assumptions about gender identity, sexual orientation and other aspects of identity. By prioritizing terms that respect each person's self-identification and recognizing the complex intersections of race, culture, ability and gender, inclusive language seeks to create respectful and affirming communication for all individuals.
Internalised oppression
The subconsciously absorbed: 1) negative and/or inferior feelings, opinions, or beliefs about one’s own non-dominant social identity group(s), and/or, 2) positive and/or superior feelings, opinions, or beliefs about dominant social identity groups of which one is not a member. Both sets of ideas emerge in reaction to prolonged exposure to manifestations of systemic discrimination.
Intersectionality
A term coined by Dr. Kimberlé Crenshaw that explains how interactions between individuals’ identities such as race, gender, ethnicity, ability, economy, religion and sexual orientation determine and influence their life, opportunities and abilities.
J
K
L
M
Micro-
aggressions
The everyday slights, indignities, put downs and insults that people of colour, women, LGBTQIA+ populations or any other marginalsed groups experience in their day-to-day interactions with people.
Minority
Minority refers to racially, ethnically, or culturally distinct groups that are often marginalized or subordinate to more dominant populations. These groups, known as minority groups, may face systemic inequalities and are characterized by their unique cultural identities, experiences, and perspectives.
Misogyny
Philosopher Kate Manne argues that rather than the common definition of misogyny as the deep hatred towards women, it could be understood as social systems or environments where women face hostility and hatred because they’re women in a world that has been historically a man’s world.
Music ecosystem
An ecosystem is a group of businesses or business activities that affect each other and work well together. A music ecosystem, like all ecosystems, is multiplicitous and in constant evolution. It includes the music industry, music education, music practice, audiences, musicians, venues, etc.
N
Nepotism
The practice among those with power or influence of favouring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs.
Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is a relatively new term coined in 1998 by autistic, Australian sociologist Judy Singer in 1998. The neurodiversity definition began as a way to describe people on the Autistic spectrum. Neurodiversity has since broadened to include people with: Autism, Dyslexia, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Order), Dyscalculia, DSD (Dyspraxia), Dysgraphia, Tourette Syndrome, and other neurological differences.
Non-binary
An umbrella term for people whose gender identity doesn’t sit comfortably with ‘man’ or ‘woman’. Nonbinary identities are varied and can include people who identify with some aspects of binary identities, while others reject them entirely.
Norm-criticism
Norm criticism is both a way of analysing and understanding norms and power structures as well as a tool for challenging and dismantling norms. By using norm criticism approaches, one can raise awareness of the privileges, power imbalances and exclusion that some norms create. It is also a way to challenge power structures and combat marginalisation of groups in society.
O
Objectification
Broadly defined, objectification is seeing and/or treating a person, usually a woman, as an object. Reducing a person to a body or an appearance, treating a person as if they were owned by another and/or treating a person as if they lacked autonomy, agency and experience are all features of objectification.
Oppression
Unearned lack of social power through belonging to a marginalised social group.
P
Politics of care
Refers to the frameworks and practices that prioritize caregiving and the well-being of individuals and communities within political and social systems. This concept emphasizes the importance of recognizing care work—both paid and unpaid—as essential to societal functioning and advocates for policies that support caregivers and promote equitable access to care resources. The Politics of Care seeks to address the systemic inequalities and power dynamics that impact who provides care, how it is valued, and the conditions under which care is delivered, ultimately aiming to create a more just and compassionate society.
Prejudice
Refers to the (conscious or unconscious, positive or negative) attitudes and feelings one has towards an individual or group of individuals based on certain traits.
Privilege
Unearned access to social power through belonging to a dominant social group.
Pronouns
Words used to refer to people in conversation, often based on their gender identity—such as ‘he’ or ‘she.’ Some individuals may prefer gender-neutral or nonbinary pronouns like "they/them" or "ze/zir" to more accurately express their identity. Using a person’s chosen pronouns, also known as their "Preferred Pronouns", shows respect and affirms their gender identity, fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment by recognizing that gender may not align with traditional expectations.
Q
Queer
Queer is a term used by those wanting to reject specific labels of romantic orientation, sexual orientation and/or gender identity. It can also be a way of rejecting the perceived norms of the LGBT community (racism, sizeism, ableism, etc). Although some LGBT people view the word as a slur, it was reclaimed in the late 80s by the queer community who have embraced it.
Queerphobia
Queerphobia is the systemized discrimination or antagonism directed against queer/LGBTQ+ persons, rooted in a desire to maintain heteronormativity.
R
Racism
Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one’s own race is superior.
S
Safe space
An environment in which everyone feels comfortable in expressing themselves and participating fully, without fear or attack, ridicule or denial of experience.
Sex
Sex refers to the biological classification of individuals as male or female based on their physiological and anatomical characteristics, such as chromosomes, hormone levels and reproductive/sexual anatomy. It is important to recognize that a person's sex may not necessarily align with their gender identity, which is a deeply personal understanding of oneself that encompasses societal and cultural roles. Additionally, sex is not strictly binary; intersex individuals, who may have physical traits that do not fit typical definitions of male or female, illustrate the complexity of biological diversity. Understanding sex in this context allows for a more nuanced appreciation of human diversity beyond conventional categorizations.
Sexism
Sexism is any expression (act, word, image, gesture) based on the idea that some persons, most often women, are inferior because of their sex.
Socioeconomic Status
Socio economic status usually refers to the social standing and/or class of an individual or group. It is a combination of many factors, such as education, occupation, income and access to society.
Stereotype
A Stereotype is an over-generalized belief about a particular group or category of people. A stereotype represents the expectation that something is true about every member of that group.
T
Tokenism
Tokenism involves the symbolic involvement of a person in an organisation due only to a specified or salient characteristic (e.g., gender, race/ethnicity, disability, age) in order to give a misleading appearance of an inclusive organisational culture.
Trans
An umbrella term to describe people whose gender is not the same as, or does not sit comfortably with, the sex they were assigned at birth. Trans people may describe themselves using one or more of a wide variety of terms, including (but not limited to) transgender, transsexual, gender-queer (GQ), genderfluid, non-binary, gender-variant, crossdresser, genderless, agender, nongender, third gender, bigender, trans man, trans woman,trans masculine, trans feminine and neutrois.
Trauma-informed approaches
According to the concept of a trauma-informed approach, “A program, organisation, or system that is trauma-informed: realises the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery; recognises the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff, and others involved with the system; responds by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practises; and seeks to actively resist re-traumatization." A traumainformed approach can be implemented in any type of service setting or organisation and is distinct from trauma-specific interventions or treatments that are designed specifically to address the consequences of trauma and to facilitate healing.
U
Under-representation
Insufficient or disproportionately low representation than would be predicted by their proportion in the population.