illustration for the drivers of inequality

Driver Category 7.3

Lack of institutional and legal framework protecting and promoting individuals’ autonomy, self-determination and family life

This driver category covers the existence of anti-discrimination legislation (in relation to gender, ethnicity, religion, disability and sexual identity) as well as in relation to the freedom of religion and the right to a private life.

It also covers institutional and policy frameworks in relation to protecting and promoting individuals' autonomy and self-determination including mental health services, social services and schools.

Guiding Questions

General questions

  • Are the sufficient mental health services with appropriately trained staff?
  • Are mental health services available to help people who are struggling to live autonomous lives?
  • Do available mental health treatments promote positive forms of self-determination?
  • Are support services available, public funded or provided by NGOs, to assist LGBTI people live autonomous, self-determined lives?
  • Are support services available, public funded or provided by NGOs, to assist people with disabilities live autonomous, self-determined lives?
  • Are there sufficient welfare benefits to compensate people with disabilities for the extra costs of living that they experience (housing, transport, care, etc.)?
  • Are there sufficient support services available within schools?
  • Are there sufficient social services, including social workers, available to help young people in need of support?
  • Is this assistance sensitive to young people's own views on the type of life they wish to lead?
  • Is equality enshrined within legislation?
  • Are indigenous people free to self-determination and able to live autonomous lives?
  • Is their right autonomous lives protected and enshrined in law?
  • Are people legally free to live with and marry who they choose, as well as separate from and divorce?
  • Is there sufficient access to fertility treatment?

Indicators

Potential indicators to monitor the drivers of inequalities in this main driver category

  • Amount of public spending/%GDP on mental health services
  • Amount of public spending/%GDP on disability support services
  • Number of staff employed by equality body and annual budget
  • % people with disabilities receiving benefits to cover the extra costs of living
  • % of LGBTI people reporting difficulties living autonomous lives
  • % of indigenous people reporting difficulties living autonomous lives
  • Amount of public spending on fertility treatment

Candidate Policies

To see related Candidate Policies in this main driver category please click here.