Defining, Measuring, and Initiating Progress Toward Greater Equality in Justice and Beyond

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract

Inequality is a characteristic of societies worldwide, and many different groups face disparities across a range of domains including not only justice, but areas such as income, health, and education. It is difficult to address inequalities, however, unless they can be systematically documented and assessed. Furthermore, while many domains in which inequality manifests itself are interconnected, they tend to be examined in silos; our understanding and ability to tackle justice inequalities is strengthened considerably when other domains that may drive or be driven by them are considered.

In this panel, we present a new tool for measuring inequality and tracking progress or the lack thereof across multiple domains: the Equality Indicators. The information gleaned from the Equality Indicators allows cities to develop programs and projects to target specific inequalities and, by collecting data over time, provides evidence for the effectiveness of these efforts. The first paper will give an overview of the tool, its development, and its structure. The second paper will present the results from two years of data collection in NYC, where the tool was initially developed and piloted. The third paper will discuss how data from the Equality Indicators can be used to guide policy efforts.

Sub Unit

• Area IV: Correlates of Crime / 15: Poverty and Structural Inequalities

Individual Presentations

• An Overview of the Equality Indicators Tool - Shawnda Chapman-Brown, CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance; Victoria Z. Lawson, CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance; Besiki Luka Kutateladze, CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance

• Reporting Changes in Equality in New York City from 2015 to 2016 - Qian Zhang, CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance; Victoria Z. Lawson, CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance; Besiki Luka Kutateladze, CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance

• The Role of Research in Triggering Policy Changes to Combat Inequality - Jocelyn Pak Drummond, CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance; Victoria Z. Lawson, CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance; Besiki Luka Kutateladze, CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance; Michael Jacobson, CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance

Chair

• Victoria Z. Lawson, CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance