Project ‘Improving equality data collection in Belgium’: study on self-identification of origin (2023-2024)
- Statistics
- Studies
- Racial characteristics
In January 2023, Unia launched a research project on self-identification of origin in Belgium. The Improving equality data collection in Belgium project (2021) had shown that equality data collection should aim to use self-definition wherever possible and appropriate. This approach is important for a better understanding of the factors that lead to inequality and discrimination.
What is self-identification?
The principle of self-identification implies that data on people's characteristics (such as origin) are provided freely by the people to whom they relate.
With regard to origin, this can be done, for example, by asking the following questions:
- How do you define yourself?
- Do you feel discriminated against because of your origin? If so, which one(s)?
The use of self-identification in equality data collection is a fundamental principle of the human rights-based approach to data, but it is currently little used in Belgium. This study aims to improve the collection and quality of equality data.
What does the study on self-identification of origin entail?
Specifically, Unia will :
- Ask the participants of this study for their opinion on this method of data collection
- Examine in which contexts the method is suitable, and what are the minimum conditions for its use
- Formulate good practices and recommendations
As part of the study, Unia will use participatory methods to involve groups discriminated against due to their origin.
Why is this study important?
Self-identification makes it possible to collect equality data, for example on origin, with the active participation and consent of the people concerned, including when drawing up the response categories.
For example, in the Socio-economic Monitoring by Unia and the FPS Employment, Labour and Social Dialogue, administrative data based on the nationality (at birth) of a person and that of their (grand)parents is used to determine the origin of this person. These variables are then called “proxies”. Self-definition of origin could fill in some gaps related to the use of proxies. Combining data based on self-definition and an external definition of origin (proxies) could provide a more complete picture of discrimination and inequalities.
What is the aim?
The aim is to understand how self-identification of origin could be used more in the collection of equality data in Belgium.
Good to know: Unia does not aim to publish data on people's origins by itself.
More Information about this research project?
For any questions, please send a message to equalitydata@unia.be
- Statistics
- Studies
- Racial characteristics