Drivers of inequality in the capability to enjoy individual, family and social life, to express yourself and to have self-respect

The capability to enjoy individual, family and social life, to express yourself and have self-respect is fundamental to well-being. Not everyone is able to enjoy personal autonomy, freedom to develop as a person and live the life they would choose.

Policy, legal and institutional frameworks that recognise diversity and promote and protect equality are important determinants but even with these in place, inequalities can be driven by discrimination and intolerance related to harmful social and cultural norms. More broadly some groups may be marginalised and this can lead to social exclusion and isolation.

Not everyone enjoys independence and choice and equality in primary relationships. This may be driven by harmful norms and beliefs in relation to women and sexuality. Community cohesion can be aided by support for community groups and community events and activities.

Six main driver categories are identified in this domain. These can be added to through your analysis of inequalities in this domain. For example, you may want to explore further the drivers of loneliness or what shapes harmful social norms.

Explore the main driver categories for Domain 7 to find more detailed information on these drivers, guiding questions for analysis, driver indicators and candidate policies.

Main driver categories

To learn more about these drivers, for a tailored set of questions to help guide your anaysis and for potential indicators to monitor the drivers of these inequalities, click on the main driver categories below.