Nearly half of academic economists say they have personally experienced or witnessed discrimination or unfair treatment in the past five years, with a further fifth saying it has happened to someone they know closely.

The Royal Economic Society said that its ?had revealed a ¡°mixed picture¡± of the culture within economics departments in the UK, with a ¡°significant minority¡± believing the field is not supportive or inclusive.

Economists were polled on the back of several ¡°concerning findings¡± of other surveys including the 2024 European Economic Association survey that suggested that UK-based economists had the highest perceived experience of discrimination across Europe.

Asked about experiences of discrimination or unfair treatment such as harassment or bullying, 47 per cent say it has happened to them as opposed to 30 per cent who say it hasn¡¯t. Eighteen per cent say someone close to them had been affected.

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¡°The respondent¡¯s own institution was most commonly cited as the setting for these incidents, with more senior colleagues most often identified as the perpetrators,¡± a report on the findings says.

Two-thirds of incidents were not reported through formal channels, with nearly half believing that no action would be taken against the perpetrator.

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Instead, those who had experienced discrimination took their own preventative measures such as not attending conferences, not applying for promotions or steering away from particular research areas.

Considering the overall culture of UK academic economics, the survey finds that although many report broadly positive experiences, fewer than half of all respondents say they are satisfied as it stands.

Differences in views were pronounced depending on ethnicity. Seventy-one per cent of white respondents found the discipline inclusive, as opposed to 52 per cent among all other ethnic groups.

Similarly, professors and older respondents are less likely to perceive discrimination while respondents from non-Russell Group institutions, women, other ethnic groups and those who have disabilities are more likely to agree that discrimination is prevalent.

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Asked whether the culture was changing, some expressed a belief that there had been improvements in inclusivity, but the overall picture was one of ¡°stasis¡±, the report says, and ¡°where progress exists, it appears to be incremental and slow-moving¡±.

Camus resources on equity, diversity and inclusion in higher education

A ¡°substantial minority¡± also report experiencing unfair treatment either frequently or consistently, with the highest levels of perceived unfairness relating to compensation, promotion decisions and publishing.

On research integrity, 46 per cent say that although they felt it was generally good, they had witnessed behaviours that fell short of expected standards. A further 11 per cent describe research integrity as weak.

The RES said that on the back of the findings it will ¡°continue and where necessary increase its drive towards a more diverse and inclusive profession, and one characterised by improved overall standards of behaviour¡±.

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Imran Rasul, professor of economics at UCL and RES president, said the body would take the results ¡°seriously¡±.

¡°Most economists in academic life find the profession supportive and inclusive, but it is clear that this experience is not fully shared across groups,¡± Rasul added.

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¡°We will continue to increase our understanding of the issues raised and create clear?tools to enable individuals and departments to improve the professional climate for all.¡±

tom.williams@timeshighereducation.com