Beyond Demographic Identifiers and Classification: A Search for Alternative Approaches to Quantitatively Evaluating Equity

Abstract

As interest in addressing issues of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) increases in the US and parts of Europe, this essay argues that the Western-centered interpretations of and approaches towards evaluating equity need to be more carefully examined to deem its cultural appropriateness. This essay reviews ways to conceive of equity and presents three alternative methodological approaches to quantitatively evaluating equity that do not require the Western convention of identification.