This guide will help you get started doing research on topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is not meant to be comprehensive of all identities and experiences.
For a broad overview of the diversity, equity, and inclusion research landscape, we recommend the following introductory books.
HKS Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Collection
The HKS Library's Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DIB) Collection offers books and films that foster communication and discussion on diversity, inclusion, and belonging at HKS. It represents and celebrates the multitude of identities and backgrounds that make up our vibrant community. It features texts that highlight the direct experiences – whether joyful, painful, or otherwise – of those who have faced systemic marginalization and oppression. It focuses on novels, poetry, literary nonfiction, memoirs, and essays.
The DIB Collection is driven by the HKS community including key partners in the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (ODIB) and the Institutional Antiracism and Accountability (IARA) Project within the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation.
HKS Political Buttons Collection: Digital Exhibits
Curated selections from our Political Buttons at HKS Collection are available as interactive digital exhibits. These exhibits are projects of the HKS Library with support from the Dean’s Office, Academic Deans’ Office, and the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging.
- Redefining the Table: Diversifying U.S. Elections
Over the past decade a record number of individuals from underrepresented groups have launched U.S. political campaigns. This exhibit features political buttons from 32 such candidates – women, people of color, Native people, & members of the LGBTQ community – who have sought office since 2012. - Decades of Resistance: Political Movement Pins
The U.S. has rich history of political activism, popular support for which has long been displayed through buttons. From the Vietnam War to nuclear power, South African apartheid to LGBTQ rights, & the Iraq War to #MeToo, the buttons in this exhibit highlight issues from the 1960s to today.
HKS Initiatives
- Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism at HKSHKS's strategy, action areas, resources, and data for fostering a diverse, equitable, and anti-racist School culture.
- Gender, Race & IdentityHKS Policy Topic centered on the question of how gender, race, class and other aspects of identity affect the policymaking process.
- Race, Research & Policy PortalLed by the Institutional Antiracism and Accountability Project at HKS, RRAPP "is a free online resource dedicated to summarizing and promoting research publications on diversity, racial equity and antiracist organizational change in private, public and non-profit firms and entities. Many of RRAPP’s resources highlight academic studies, which are often hidden behind subscription paywalls and are subsequently underutilized. RRAPP helps changemakers learn and find the tools they need."
- Gender Action PortalLed by the Women and Public Policy Program at HKS, GAP "is a collection of research evaluating the impact of specific policies, strategies, and organizational practices to advance gender equity. GAP focuses on experimental approaches to evaluate policies—both in the field and in the laboratory—and draws from multiple disciplines, including economics, psychology, and organizational behavior."
- Project on Indigenous Governance and DevelopmentBased at the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, the Project "is the recognized leader in practical research, teaching, leadership development, policy analysis, and pro bono advising for Native communities. With Indigenous peoples so long shut out from access to world-class and relevant educational and economic opportunities, the core mission of the Project is to arm Indigenous people themselves with the tools needed to govern effectively and to strengthen their economic, social, and cultural fabrics. These nations are being rebuilt, poverty is being pushed back, and cultures are being strengthened as Indian communities take charge of their own destinies."
- Malcolm Wiener Center for Social PolicyHKS research center "committed to achieving a deeper understanding of the barriers we face to greater equality and access to opportunities for all. Through rigorous research, quantitative and qualitative in nature, we offer policy solutions that have the potential to reduce or eliminate barriers and improve people’s lives."
Wiener Center initiatives include the Program in Criminal Justice Policy and Management, the Stone Program in Wealth Distribution, Inequality, and Social Policy, and the Shift Project.
Harvard Office for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (OEDIB)
The Harvard Office for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (OEDIB) works across the University to champion an institutional culture of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
OEDIB hosts events, provides grants, creates connections and curates resources Harvard-wide, and recommends support resources for community members of marginalized identities.