For those who are new to our work, today's post will outline some working definitions for terms that you will encounter frequently in reframe52's posts, website, and other content. If you've been along for the ride with us for awhile, here are some refreshers!
Working Definitions
In crafting these working definitions of terms we use frequently in our content, we draw on current research, public discourse, and community needs. As scholars and practitioners, we recognize the importance of continuing to update our definitions to reflect emerging data and trends. Terminology, language, culture, and best practices shift, and we seek to adapt accordingly as part of our work in the DEI education space.
What is a framework?
A framework is a set of theories of worldviews through which one interprets information and experiences. In the social and behavioral sciences, this refers to the ways a researcher uses a body of research to explain a social phenomenon (such as a case study). In the context of everyday life, a framework can consciously or unconsciously inform the ways in which we make sense of our surroundings, relationships, histories, and culture. It can impact the way we assign meaning to our interactions, navigate our environments, and make decisions and judgments.
What's the difference between equity and equality?
Equity is not the same as equality.
Equity seeks to address differences in access, opportunity, and resources in order to redistribute them more fairly.
Equality within a society, in a broad sense, means that everyone is treated the same, regardless of their identity- this includes civil rights & liberties, freedom to personal autonomy & expression, and access to resources.
What does structural change mean?
Structural change rethinks, repairs, reshapes, and transforms the structure of a society or institution in effective, long-term, and sustainable ways.
What is marginalization?
Marginalization is a process where individual or groups are limited to power and resources. This can be intentional or unintentional. Individuals and groups tend to have reduced visibility, representation, and participation across sectors in society, including mainstream and political life, media and popular culture.
In a given society, those who face marginalization can be excluded for a variety of reasons, including race/ethnicity, religion, political groups, ability, gender, sexuality or class. Marginalization also impacts social identities, and can be compounded by associated social stigmas.
What is the difference between BIPOC vs. POC?
"BIPOC" is a term referring to “Black and/or Indigenous People of Color.” While the term “POC” (People of Color) is often used as well as an inclusive and unifying frame across racial groups who are not white (particularly to address racial inequities or for solidarity), BIPOC explicitly leads with Black and Indigenous identities, which helps to emphasize the need to acknowledge and address both anti-Black racism and the legacy of erasing and suppressing Native/Indigenous needs, stories, and communities as a whole.
How do you define LGBTQIA+ and Queer?
LGBTQIA+ is an acronym used to collectively refer to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual people. Because there are infinitely varied human experiences of gender and sexuality outside heterosexual, cisgendered norms, the "+" stands for the inclusion of more identities beyond those named in the acronym, or that resist categorization altogether.
“Queer” has multiple meanings and definitions for many people. It has been reclaimed from its use as a homophobic slur by many, but not all, in the LGBTQIA+ community:
“Queer” can be used to describe one’s identity as being part of the LGTBQIA+ community (in terms of sexual orientation and/or gender identity). A person who identifies as queer might *only* identify as queer, or may identify broadly as queer but also specifically identify as bisexual, non-binary, etc.
Some use “queer” as an umbrella term for anyone or anything that doesn't conform to heterosexual or cisgendered norms (e.g. "the queer community”).
What does intersectionality mean?
Intersectionality is a framework for seeing 1) how structures, systems, and discrimination (such as racism, sexism, homophobia, classism, capitalism, patriarchy) combine to form different experiences of injustice; and 2) the way identity consists of a layering of various parts of who we are. Together, these layers influence how we experience ourselves and our environments.
Intersectionality provides a lens to better understand how our layered identities are impacted by not only our social locations and personal experiences, but also the complexity of interrelated systems of discrimination, disadvantage that affect our lives in terms of equality and equity.
What is advocacy?
Advocacy is the active practice of demonstrating dedicated and ongoing commitment to promoting and standing up for diversity, equity, and inclusion in one’s personal and community life. Advocacy includes promoting mutual respect, collaboration, and acceptance, engaging in lifelong learning and reframing, as well as working towards positive social change.
SOURCES
Golash-Boza, T. (2015). Race and Racisms: A Critical Approach, Brief Edition. Oxford University Press.
Crenshaw, K. (2005). Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Color (1994). In R. K. Bergen, J. L. Edleson, & C. M. Renzetti, Violence against women: Classic papers (pp. 282–313). Pearson Education New Zealand.
Maliese, M. (2003). The Necessity of Social Structural Change. Beyond Intractability. https://www.beyondintractability.org/ssay/social_structural_changes
Bell, Kenton, ed. 2013-2022. “Social Marginality.” Open Education Sociology Dictionary. Retrieved May 23, 2022 https://sociologydictionary.org/social-marginality/
Racial Equity Tools (n.d.). Glossary, Retrieved September 16, 2022, from https://www.racialequitytools.org/glossary
Sen, N. and Keleher, T. (2021). Creating Cultures and Practices for Racial Equity: A Toolbox for Advancing Racial Equity for Arts and Cultural Organizations. Race Forward: The Center for Racial Justice Innovation. Race Reporting Guide. Retrieved August 29, 2022, from: https://www.raceforward.org/system/filesCreating%20Cultures%20and%20Practices%20For%20Racial%20Equity_7.pdf
Cregan, K. (2012). Key concepts in body and society. SAGE Publications; University of California - San Francisco. (n.d.).
LGBT Resource Center: General Definitions. UCSF LGBT Resource Center. Retrieved June 2, 2022, from https://lgbt.ucsf.edu/glossary-terms
Anti-violence Project (n.d.). Glossary. Retrieved September 16, 2022, from https://www.antiviolenceproject.org/glossary/
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