Researching ethnic inequalities

• Social researchers are increasingly required to produce evidence on the patterns and causes of ethnic inequalities in diverse arenas of social and economic wellbeing.

• However, researching inequalities between ethnic groups presents important ethical and methodological challenges.

• Using ixed ethnic categories in research requires careful consideration because ethnic identities are complex and luid.

• Because of this complexity, researchers should recognise the diverse pathways through which ethnicity may inluence experiences and outcomes.

• Describing and explaining diferences between ethnic groups also demands careful attention to sampling, data generation and analysis so that misleading interpretations are avoided.

• The potential for research into ethnic inequality to do more harm than good should be recognised and addressed.

• Researchers should ind ways to ensure that their research focus and approach is informed by the experiences and priorities of individuals from all ethnic groups.