Valuing Equality: How equality bodies can use values to create a more equal & accepting Europe

Behind the all-important social indicators – from public attitudes towards immigration to incidence of hate crimes – is the question of why. Why do people hold such attitudes, or behave in such ways? Research has revealed a consistent and often overlooked factor in answering this question: our values.

Values are important

A new report from the Public Interest Research Centre (PIRC), commissioned by Equinet, found that when people value community, social justice and freedom, they tend to be less discriminatory.

Across Europe the research shows a positive picture: people view these values as most important.

So why are people still not treated equally?

Because patterns of prejudice and inequality in Europe are linked to the weight people place on these values compared with others. From attitudes towards minorities in leadership positions to the rate at which people report discrimination, the influence of values is clear and consistent.

These values are not static; they can be engaged and strengthened. European equality bodies and other organisations can actively work to bring to the fore the sense of respect and care for others that every person already holds within them.

Communicating these values is therefore an important consideration for these organisations. The report explores the values these organisations may express in their work, and how these could be better aligned with the values that will ensure that people across Europe are motivated to live in acceptance of one another, free from discrimination, and in peace.