Identity & Diversity Knowledge Organiser — KS2 PSHE

Identity and diversity

1. 1 What is identity? The characteristics that make you who you are. Some are fixed (race, family background). Some change over time (beliefs, interests, jobs). Some you choose (how you present yourself). Many identities can overlap and interact in one person.
2. 2 Protected characteristics The Equality Act (2010) protects people from discrimination based on: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
3. 3 Stereotypes Oversimplified beliefs about a group of people that assume everyone in the group is the same. Girls are bad at maths. Boys don't cry. Old people can't use technology. Stereotypes are almost always wrong and often harmful.
4. 4 Prejudice A negative attitude toward a group based on stereotypes, without knowing the individuals. Prejudice is a thought or feeling. It is possible to hold prejudice without acting on it.
5. 5 Discrimination Acting on prejudice — treating people differently (worse) because of their identity. Discrimination is illegal when it involves protected characteristics. It can be direct (treating someone worse) or indirect (policies that disadvantage a group).
6. 6 Why diversity matters Communities with diverse perspectives and experiences are more creative, more resilient, and solve problems better. Diversity is not just fair — it is valuable.
7. 7 Allyship Supporting people from groups that face discrimination — even when you are not personally affected. Speaking up when you witness discrimination. Not staying silent.