Refers to a set of biological attributes in humans and animals. It is primarily associated with physical and physiological features, including chromosomes, gene expression, hormone levels and function, and reproductive/sexual anatomy. Sex characteristics are typically categorized as female or male, but there is significant variation in the biological attributes that comprise sex and how those attributes are expressed.
Source: Best practices in equity, diversity and inclusion in research practice and design.
A barrier embedded in the social or administrative structures of the institution, including its level of physical accessibility, its organizational policies, its practices and decision-making processes, and its culture.
From: TMU Dimensions Action Plan
(also ‘trans’). A person whose gender identity differs from what is typically associated with the sex they were assigned at birth.
Source: 2SLGBTQI+ terminology – Glossary and common acronyms
Focusing on limited representation of underrepresented groups for the appearance of being inclusive without any action toward meaningful inclusion.
Source: Best practices in equity, diversity and inclusion in research practice and design.
An implicit attitude, stereotype, motivation or assumption that can occur without one’s knowledge, control or intention. Unconscious bias is a result of one’s life experiences and affects all types of people. Everyone carries implicit or unconscious biases. Examples of unconscious bias include gender bias, cultural bias, race/ethnicity bias, age bias, language bias and institutional bias. Decisions made based on unconscious bias can compound over time, to significantly impact the lives and opportunities of others affected by the decisions.
Source: Best practices in equity, diversity and inclusion in research practice and design.
Underrepresentation refers generally to groups or individuals from groups who, due to both formal and legal restrictions and to systemic barriers, have lacked access to full participation in a given organization, community or discipline. The term “underrepresented” here refers not only to a group’s presence falling below population-level demographics, but also to the inequity and exclusion that contribute to this underrepresentation. Even as diversity increases across an institution or field, the factors that underpinned the exclusion still resonate.
Source: Best practices in equity, diversity and inclusion in research practice and design.