Assessing Representation and Perceived Inclusion among Members in the Society for Epidemiologic Research

Abstract

Using web-based survey data collected June – August 2018 from the Society for Epidemiologic Research (SER) members, we characterized numerous dimensions of social identity and lived experience, and assessed relationships between these characteristics and perceptions of inclusion and society participation. We quantified associations between characteristics, feeling very welcomed, high (top 25th percentile) self-initiated participation, and any (top 10th percentile) society-initiated participation. Racial/ethnic and religious minority categories were blinded to preserve anonymity and we accounted for missing data. Most 2018 SER members (n = 1631) were white (62%) or female (66%). Females with racial/ethnic non-response were least likely, while white males were most likely to report feeling very welcomed. Members who did not report race, identified with a specific racial/ethnic minority, or were politically conservative/right-leaning were less likely than white or liberal/left-leaning members to have high self-initiated participation. Women and individuals of a specific racial/ethnic minority or minority religious affiliations were less likely to participate in events initiated by the society. These data represent a baseline for assessing trends and the impact of future initiatives aimed at improving diversity, inclusion, representation and participation within SER.

Beyond Diversity: Focusing on and Enhancing Inclusion in the Society for Epidemiologic Research

“…This might be achieved through a letter targeting all members, by providing a small incentive, or by using multiple modes (such as an in-person version of the survey administered at SER’s annual meeting). We also recommend hosting a panel to determine community response to DeVilbiss et al ( 7 ). This panel could include the authors of the original paper, authors of invited commentaries, and others who are interested in expanding SER’s diversity and inclusion.…”

“…Research on the diversification of associations, however, has primarily focused on defining diversity and inclusion (i.e., Diversity 1.0) ( 3 , 4 ) and less frequently on identifying policies and strategies that successfully increase diversity as well as inclusion within organizations (i.e., Diversity 2.0) ( 5 , 6 ). Following the first generation of research, DeVilbiss et al ( 7 ) used various measures of diversity to characterize the membership within the Society for Epidemiology Research (SER). They also assessed perceived inclusion by asking members whether they felt welcomed within the association and what activities they had participated in.…”

“…They also assessed perceived inclusion by asking members whether they felt welcomed within the association and what activities they had participated in. While this is an important step in understanding the diversity challenges within this organization, DeVilbiss et al ( 7 ), raise a number of points related to issues of inclusion (e.g., disparities in engagement) that warrant additional consideration. In this commentary, we highlight the importance of diversity within SER and provide a series of recommendations regarding measures and practices for improving inclusion (including how to assess engagement) within professional organizations like SER.…”

“…We are encouraged that DeVilbiss et al ( 7 ) operationalized diversity and inclusion separately. Their survey appropriately addressed several dimensions of diversity, including age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, religion, immigrant origin, family structure, level of academic training, and household income.…”

Effects of a Health Education and Research Participation Enhancement Program on Participation and Autonomy in Diverse Older Adults

“…The interaction between race and sex in relationship to participation/autonomy has not been thoroughly examined; however, such an interaction may well exist. In a 2018 survey of members of the Society for Epidemiological Research (SER), women who were racial or ethnic minorities were less likely to participate in events initiated by SER (DeVilbiss et al, 2020). Another study examining social isolation differences between Black and White adults found that Black women were least likely to be married, Black individuals of both sexes were less likely to have many close friends or relatives, White men were the least likely to regularly attend religious services, and men of both races were less likely to be involved in clubs or group activities than women (Alcaraz et al, 2019).…”