Carrying on from the theme of unintended consequences, I have a concern about the use of ethnic (or gender) breakdowns in statistical information, particularly related to negative statistics.

There is a psychological impact of publishing statistics, related to expectation.

If “Jane” comes from a “group” that is statistically and repeatedly reported as less likely to succeed, more likely to get into trouble and likely to have lower incomes and education, that sets the baseline targets and expectations for Jane lower. If things get hard, it means that psychologically Jane has more reasons to think that she isn’t able to carry on and get past the hurdles. If an easy option is presented, she may end up more inclined to take that path rather than sticking out a more ambitious programme.

While there are good reasons and good intentions behind measuring achievement, health and other statistics by different groups, there is also danger in reporting them in that way.

What we all should be aiming for is equal opportunity. And yes – I do know it isn’t as simple as we’d like it to be.

Some people do need a bit more time and support to get to the starting line – for example if:

• many topics weren’t discussed in the home
• education wasn’t valued or encouraged
• saving, investing or owning your own home wasn’t part of the long-term expectation
• working wasn’t part of “what people do”
• parents / others didn’t know or didn’t pass on basic life skills.

Some face inherent racism, sexism and other bias from employers or colleagues – this can be hard to get past. It can even be hard to recognise as we grow up with cultural expectations that are nearly invisible.

A very funny blog, from a bloke who reverses some of the gender stereotypes about a working mum who can have it all can be found at: http://manwhohasitall.tumblr.com/ – how do you feel when you read a post like this…

“Many employers are flexible and make allowances for fathers. It’s all about achieving that elusive balance between family and paid work. Many men choose to go part time when they become fathers, but some do manage to have it all and juggle both, especially if their wives help out with the housework and kids.”

“Are you getting up at the same time as your wife and kids? Big mistake.  Busy dads should get up at least 2 hours earlier than everyone else. Spend this precious time catching up on the housework, moisturising problem areas and getting the kids stuff ready for school. And if you have any time left, do something for YOU! I call this ‘me time’.”

Others face challenges, like being more likely because of skin colour to be questioned by the Police. A friend of mine in a country without a wall (yet) was married to a Mexican and her car was still in his name – she recently commented on Facebook about being pulled over (she had recently left a bar) and told she’d crossed the centre line twice… she pointed out that she doesn’t drink (she really doesn’t) and that she didn’t cross the centre line and had been observing him following her in the rear vision mirror. He then didn’t pursue it… apparently after realising he was racial profiling a white sober woman.

Even what we learn seems to be biased often to the negative. I’d love to see more knowledge of some of the fabulous Maori entrepreneurs and chiefs, what they achieved, their travel, their learnings. Researching about local Poppy Places turned up some fascinating stories of leadership, support, courage, intelligence and respect. Other reading challenges some of the current “historic” gender and cultural relationships.

An interesting thesis (Surveying Hineipaketia: The Politics of Power, Rank and Gender in Nineteenth Century Hawke’s Bay. By Kerry Conlon, 2014, towards a Master of Arts in History at Massey University) points out that with much of written history being done in New Zealand / Aotearoa by white men from a strongly patriarchal time in their own society, the role of Maori women chiefs was largely overlooked. 

There is no easy quick fix on these issues, but I’d like to see if we are using statistics based on ethnicity or gender, etc. to have them accompanied by things that have achieved change, stories of historical and current successes, and how people can change those statistics for themselves and the future.