Research Summary
Political institutions have long reflected systemic inequalities, including racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination. Dr. Erin Tolley, Canada Research Chair in Gender, Race, and Inclusive Politics, is working to change that by building the knowledge and infrastructure needed to create political spaces that are more inclusive and representative of the populations they serve.
Tolley and her research team are using collaborative, multi-method approaches and innovative knowledge mobilization to develop new ways of measuring and explaining political inequality. This work includes a groundbreaking study of diversity and representation in municipal politics and new tools for understanding how racial identification affects political behaviour. By uncovering the structures and processes that shape political inclusion and exclusion, their research will inform research, policy and practice in Canada and globally, with the aim of supporting more equitable and participatory democratic systems.