THE MULTIDIMENSIONAL INEQUALITY FRAMEWORK: THE OXFAM TOOLKIT
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Discovering the Domains

The Multidimensional Inequality Framework provides a systematic approach to measuring and analysing inequalities, and for identifying causes and possible avenues for inequality reduction. Inequality, like poverty, is multidimensional and experienced in many different forms by individuals. This framework measures inequality in individual wellbeing, reflecting the fact that our lives have many important dimensions: our health, relationships, safety, ability to have influence or financial security, among others.
Learn more about these seven domains, including both economic and non-economic dimensions. Each domain contains several sub-domains that give more detail on what is covered.
How to use the MIF
Life And Health
Physical and Legal Security
Education and Learning
Financial Security and Dignified Work
Adequate Living Conditions
Participation, Influence and Voice
Individual, Family and Social Life
Domain 1 Life And Health

This domain covers inequalities in the capability to be alive, enjoy longevity and avoid premature death. It also captures health inequalities across physical and mental health outcomes.
The sub-domains are:

  • 1.A. Avoid premature mortality through disease, neglect, injury or suicide
  • 1.B. Be protected from being killed or murdered
  • 1.C. Be protected from natural and non-natural disasters
  • 1.D. Achieve the highest possible standard of physical health
  • 1.E. Enjoy good mental health
  • 1.F. Have good sexual and reproductive health
Domain 2 Physical and Legal Security
This domain covers inequalities in the capability to be and feel physically safe and secure, as well as in being protected and treated equally and fairly by the law. The domain captures all forms of physical and psychological violation, such as torture, forms of inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, including female genital mutilation, harassment or “disappearance”, with special attention to violence against women and children.
The sub-domains are: 
  • 2.A. Be free from violence including sexual and gender-based violence, domestic violence and violence based on who you are
  • 2.B. Feel able to use public spaces safely and securely without fear
  • 2.C. Know you will be treated with equality, fairness and non-discrimination before the law
  • 2.D. Have the human right to identity, name, gender and nationality
Domain 3 Education and Learning

This domain covers inequalities in the capability to be knowledgeable, to understand and reason, and to have the skills to participate in society. It includes inequalities in education in the early years, as well as throughout the years of schooling, in terms of access, quality and treatment of students, as well as lifelong learning.
The sub-domains are:

  • 3.A. Attain the highest possible standard of knowledge, understanding and reasoning through access to education, training and lifelong learning
  • 3.B. Access information and technology necessary to participate in society
  • 3.C. Develop critical thinking, active and global citizenship, knowledge and understanding of human rights
  • 3.D. Be treated with dignity and respect in education and learning establishments
Domain 4 Financial Security and Dignified Work
This domain focuses on inequalities in financial independence, financial security and dignified work. It refers to both formal and informal work, as well as paid and unpaid care work. This domain is also designed to capture advantage as well as disadvantage, given the impact that the concentration of income and wealth can have on other people’s capabilities. 
The sub-domains are:
  • 4.A. Achieve financial security and resilience against shocks
  • 4.B. Enjoy financial independence and control over personal spending
  • 4.C. Have equal access to paid work, productive assets and markets
  • 4.D. Enjoy good working relations and dignified and fair work conditions
  • 4.E. Be protected from forced labour and exploitative conditions
  • 4.F. Enjoy equal division of care and unpaid work
Domain 5 Adequate Living Conditions
This domain considers inequalities in meeting basic needs (food, clean water, shelter, sanitation, warmth), access to good quality and secure housing, access to transport infrastructure (allowing mobility and geographical connectedness), the quality of the local environment and the ability to enjoy leisure time alongside employment or caring responsibilities. 
The sub-domains are:
  • 5.A. Enjoy secure access to food, clean water, clean air, shelter, sanitation, warmth and utilities
  • 5.B. Enjoy adequate housing quality and security
  • 5.C. Enjoy access to safe and appropriate transport
  • 5.D. Access and enjoy green spaces and public spaces
  • 5.E. Be able to achieve a good work-life/care-life balance
Domain 6 Participation, Influence and Voice
This domain covers inequalities in the capability to participate in decision-making and have a voice and influence in political, social and family spheres of life. It refers to participation in democratic processes such as voting in general and local elections, the representation in national and local government of different groups, the ability to join workplace associations and community action groups, or involvement in decision-making in the family. In addition to participation, this domain also looks at differences in influence and voice. 
The sub-domains are:
  • 6.A. Participate in and have influence over democratic and other decision-making processes at any territorial level, and including indigenous, customary or community decision-making processes
  • 6.B. Participate in decision-making and make decisions affecting your own life independently within your household and family
  • 6.C. Have freedom to form and join civil organisations, social movements and solidarity groups, including trade unions; freedom of assembly and association and enjoy active citizenship
Domain 7 Individual, Family and Social Life

This domain covers inequalities in the capability to enjoy individual, family and social life, including to express yourself and have self-respect, to be free to formulate and pursue goals and objectives, to develop as a person and live without fear of humiliation, harassment, or abuse based on who you are.
The sub-domains are: 

  • 7.A. Freedom to develop as a person, maintain dignity and self-respect
  • 7.B. Form and maintain intimate relationships, friendships and a family; enjoy independence and equality in primary relationships, including marriage, be confident that you will be treated with dignity and respect
  • 7.C. Enjoy family life, including in the context of global displacement and international migration
  • 7.D. Be free to enjoy a social life, engage in cultural and other valued activities