Research
Guiding Frameworks
Equity Framework
Monica Riutort, Peel Institute on Violence Prevention, 2015
Adopted form Integrated Life Course and Social Determinants Model of Aboriginal Health, Charlotte Loppie 2009
Let’s Break it Down
Social Determinants of Health
Types of Determinants
Proximal: most immediate behavioural and environmental factors to the individual, such as their language or social class.
Intermediate: community infrastructures, systems, resources, and capacities
Distal: historic, social, political, and economic factors, such as patriarchy and racism.
What do we Need to Consider When Talking About Equity?
1. Gender
Gender has become an underlying basis for discrimination in many societies (WHO 2010). Women and girls have unfortunately borne the majority of the negative health effects from the socially constructed modes of masculinity, although men and boys too suffer from adverse health consequences (WHO 2010).
2. Race
Race is used to refer to social groups that often share an ancestry and cultural heritage (WHO 2010). The process of creating races as different, real, and unequal in the manner that it impacts social, economic, and political life is called Racialization (Levy et al. 2013). In the process of constructing race, one group benefits by dominating other groups; this can be done either directly or indirectly through varying types of racism.
3. Racism
Racism, a social determinant of health, is the main cause of racialized health inequities that is expressed through multiple pathways (Vissandjee et al. 2001; Levy et al. 2013). For instance, racism causes stresses, including stress of discrimination; this psychological impact then initiates detrimental biological and physiological processes in the endocrine, immune, and cardiovascular systems (Bourassa et al. 2004; Levy et al. 2013).
4. Colonialism: The Ongoing Social Exclusion
Colonialism is defined as the governing influence or control of a nation over a dependent people, territory, or country, and it can also be defined as the policy or system that is used by a nation to maintain or advocate such influence or control (Czyzewski 2011). Colonialism results in social exclusion, which is where certain groups are denied full, equal opportunity to participate in Canadian life. The people who are more likely to experience social exclusion in Canada are Aboriginal Canadians, recent immigrants, Canadians of colour, women, and people with physical and mental disabilities; a number of areas in Canadian society neglect such populations by limiting their access to economic, social, and cultural resources (Mikkonen and Raphael 2010).
Putting it all together → Intersectionality:
We can say that the overall health and well-being status of an individual cannot be determined by looking at only one determinant of health and well-being, but rather, in order to fully understand the status of an individual, multiple determinants impacting the individual must be recognized.
• Intersectionality tries to capture the combined experience at the axis of two or more social identities.
• It assumes complexity in health and social outcomes. Always caused by numerous contributing factors.
• Systems of privilege and oppression (racism, sexism, etc. ) maintain disparities at the point of intersection
• This is especially true for historically oppressed groups
An additional guiding principle, the Indigenous Wheel of Health
The medicine wheel is a significant symbol in many Indigenous cultures across Canada, representing the interconnectedness of all life and the cyclical nature of existence. It serves as a guideline to consider emotional, spiritual, mental and physical health as key components of overall well-being.
The medicine wheel is a significant symbol in many Indigenous cultures across Canada, representing the interconnectedness of all life and the cyclical nature of existence. It serves as a guideline to consider emotional, spiritual, mental and physical health as key components of overall well-being.
Our Research Areas of Interest
● Determinants of social and health well-being
● Administrative data collection, summary, and analysis.
● Benefit community members of relevant target groups in practical ways by generating innovative training programs, evaluation, methodologies, approaches, and tools.
● Trauma counselling.
● Leadership training and employment for marginalized groups.
● Violence prevention, reduction, and elimination.
● Knowledge mobilization/dissemination activities with ensuring anonymity and confidentiality of participants of programs or research studies.
● Human rights.
● Capacity building for service providers, clients, staff, and communities/ organizations/
However, as we expand and grow, so do our areas of interest! Stay up to date with what we research by subscribing to our newsletter.
Research Guidelines
The Guideline of Research and Research Activities
To ensure appropriate, ethical, and equitable research, PIRT will:
A. Establish a permanent Ethical Review Committee (ERC) of five or more persons and work under its guidance
B. Provide an interdisciplinary and collaborative initiative among Region of Peel agencies
C. Integrate equity in the services in the Peel Region, working within an Equity, Anti-Oppression, and Anti-Racism Framework
D. Gather and implement evidence-informed practices in research areas
E. Be grounded in community-based, participatory action and leadership
F. Link knowledge generation to policy and practice as a continuum referring to maturity levels of expertise of best practice within the agencies involved in supporting survivors
G. Benefit community members of relevant target groups in practical ways by generating innovative training programs, evaluations, methodologies, approaches, and tools.
H. Engage in knowledge mobilization/dissemination activities.
I. Ensure anonymity and confidentiality of survivors as research/program participants.
J. Promote and facilitate partnerships among community-based organizations and academic institutions when appropriate.institutions working with clients.
K. Equity issues experienced by marginalized groups including but not limited to, women, seniors, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, racialized communities, immigrants/refugees, and youth.
Research methods
Research Methods we use:
A. Participatory Action Research (PAR)
PAR is a research approach where researchers and participants work together to identify a problem, develop solutions, and take action to address it. Unlike traditional research, where researchers study participants, PAR involves the community in every step of the process, making them co-researchers. It emphasizes collaboration, empowerment, and practical outcomes that directly benefit the participants and their communities.
B. Qualitative research
Qualitative research is a type of research that explores people’s experiences, thoughts, and feelings in-depth. It focuses on understanding the “why” and “how” behind behaviors or situations, often through methods like interviews, focus groups, and observations. Instead of using numbers, it gathers detailed, descriptive data to provide a deeper understanding of complex issues or social phenomena.
C. Quantitative research
Quantitative research is a type of research that focuses on collecting and analyzing numerical data. It uses statistics, surveys, experiments, or measurements to identify patterns, relationships, or trends. The goal is to quantify a problem or phenomenon and make generalizations based on the data collected. This approach is often used to test hypotheses or make predictions.
D. Developmental evaluation
Developmental evaluation is an approach to evaluation that helps guide projects or programs in complex, evolving environments. Instead of simply measuring success, it focuses on learning and adapting during the process. It supports innovation by providing real-time feedback, allowing teams to adjust strategies and make informed decisions as the project unfolds. This approach is often used in projects that are trying new or innovative solutions to address complex challenges.
Application for a Research Collaboration with the PIRT
Volunteering is a great opportunity to make a positive impact in the community.
As a Family Services of Peel volunteer, you will:
Volunteering is a great opportunity to make a positive impact in the community.
As a Family Services of Peel volunteer, you will:
- Gain experience with an established non-profit organization
- Receive coaching and mentorship
- Be part of a team
- Learn new skills
- Develop lasting connections
Application Process:
Submit a completed Volunteer Form, accompanied with a resume and a letter detailing skills, experience, and areas of interest to [email protected].
Please note: If successful in the application process, the applicant will need to complete a Vulnerable Sector Police Check before working with clients.
Volunteer Impact
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