The Spectrum of Racism: Implementing the Six Stages Framework in order to understand how students experience prejudice and racism within Higher Education.

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Part 1: Demographics

Part 2 – Your understanding and experience(s) of racism

Part 3 – The Six Stages of Understanding and Dealing with Racism

As this framework is not linear but fluid and dynamic, it can be used as a psychological tool to assess where individuals or organisations are in their journey towards understanding and dealing with the complexities of individual and systemic racism.

Stage +1: Unaware, silence and denial
This stage is characterised by having a lack of awareness of racial equity and diversity issues

Stage +2: Dismissive and avoidant
People at this stage are aware of issues of race. However, they are often dismissive of these issues and often believe that racial inequity and social injustice are not big issues.

Stage +3: Becoming aware of issues of race
At this stage, people are becoming aware of differences and of racism. They begin to question their original stance at Stages +1 and +2.

Stage +4: Open to learning
People at this stage are open to learning and having meaningful conversations about race, including challenging perceptions and biases.

Stage +5: Ability to see the bigger picture
This stage features an ability to reflect and genuinely engage in conversations and with the issues of social/racial injustice and racism.

Stage +6: Leadership qualities
People at this stage are able to take on leadership roles in promoting racial equity, inclusion and social justice. They may join together with others to challenge social injustice and racism, possibly through community engagement, or through a desire to work with others towards a greater cause.

If you are interested in reading more about the "The Six Stages of Understanding and Dealing with Racism""; please contact the lead investigator Dr Shungu Hilda M’gadzah at