How can universities and employers create fairer systems where every learner can thrive? In this episode of our Learn Better Podcast, hosts Caron Betts and Lee Rowlandson, spoke with academic activist, researcher, and founder of STRIVE at Manchester Metropolitan University, Dr. Iwi Ugiagbe-Green, to explore what true equity in education looks like in practice.
Equity versus equality
To start, it's important to understand the difference between two key terms: equity and equality. Dr. Ugiagbe-Green explains that while equality means everyone has the same rights and access to opportunities, equity is about recognising that societal structures often favour some groups over others.
Equity acknowledges that to create a level playing field, we must provide enhanced support to those who are disadvantaged by these systems. This philosophy is rooted in the South African concept of Ubuntu: "I am because we are." It’s about recognising that we are all connected and responsible for one another's success.
“I'm quite skilled at being able to mobilise that sort of collective action through collaboration and community.
Everything that I do is underpinned by a South African philosophy called ‘Ubuntu.’ And the philosophy of Ubuntu is ‘I am because we are.’ “
The power of language: Minority vs. minoritised
The language we use is powerful. Dr. Ugiagbe-Green makes a crucial distinction between "minority" and "minoritised." She notes that racialised white people are not the global majority, yet other groups are often positioned as the minority. This isn't just about numbers, but about power and positioning.
For example, she shares how the term "minoritised" suggests that certain groups are actively placed in a position of lesser power. This is often reflected in data, where diverse groups are frequently homogenised under labels like BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic), which can hide the unique experiences and challenges faced by different communities. Disaggregating this data is essential for understanding the full picture and making informed decisions.
What the data tells us
Statistics reveal a stark reality in the UK higher education system. While Black students are overrepresented in higher education (making up 8% of the student population versus 4% of the UK population), a significant degree award gap persists.
Even more telling, Dr. Ugiagbe-Green highlights that a Black student with three As at A-level is less likely to achieve a 2:1 or First-Class degree than a white student with a B and two Cs. This shows that the issue isn't about entry qualifications but about the students' experiences within the system.
These disparities continue into the workforce. She also explains that Black British and Black Caribbean graduates face the highest rates of unemployment and the lowest placement in highly skilled roles.
Iwi’s personal story
Dr. Ugiagbe-Green’s personal story further illustrates how socioeconomic factors compound these challenges. Growing up on a council estate, she missed out on opportunities like networking events and internships as she would have to work two jobs to support herself.
She directs listeners to the work of Professor Lee Elliot Major - the first professor of social mobility in higher education. His work shows that opportunity isn’t an isolated event, but an aggregation of chances. Many of these chances are denied to students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Practical steps for educators
Lee and Caron ask Iwi what educators can do to create a more equitable environment. She suggested several practical actions, including:
- Use data and stories: Go beyond the numbers to understand the lived experiences behind them. Create safe spaces for learners to share their stories.
- Demystify the hidden curriculum: Provide clear academic support and make the unwritten rules of university explicit to all students.
- Foster community and belonging: Create an environment where every student feels they are a valued part of the academic community.
- Provide coaching and mentoring: Connect learners with mentors who can guide and support them through their educational journey.
How to learn better
For Dr. Ugiagbe-Green, to ‘learn better’ means approaching experiences with an intentionally open heart and mind while recognising our shared humanity through the principle of Ubuntu. If we can disagree well, remain curious, and learn from one another, we can all learn better together.