The Pandemic as a Portal: Reimagining Psychological Science as Truly Open and Inclusive.

Area of Science:

• Psychological Science
• Quantitative Psychology
• Social Science Research

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted and worsened existing inequalities within psychological science.
• Historical factors have contributed to a closed and exclusive disciplinary culture, leading to inequitable systems.
• Current reform efforts are too narrowly focused to effectively address systemic issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To call for a fundamental reimagining of psychological science as an open and inclusive discipline.
• To examine the historical roots of inequity and their impact on current reward and support systems.
• To propose a roadmap for creating more inclusive practices within the field.

Main Methods:

• Critical analysis of the historical development and current state of psychological science.
• Examination of institutional responses to inequality.
• Self-reflection on the gap between espoused values and actual practices in the field.
• Development of a strategic roadmap for inclusivity.

Main Results:

• The discipline was historically designed in ways that produced current inequities.
• Existing institutional responses to inequality are insufficient.
• There is a significant disconnect between the stated values of psychological science and its practices.
• A framework for reimagining the discipline is proposed.

Conclusions:

• Psychological science must actively move towards becoming a more open and inclusive field.
• Addressing systemic inequalities requires a fundamental shift in disciplinary culture and practices.
• A proactive, multi-faceted approach is needed to foster inclusivity for all researchers.