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Pro-Diversity Beliefs and the Diverse Person's Burden
Daniel Steel1, Karoline Paier2
1W. Maurice Young Centre for Applied Ethics, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, Canada.
Synthese
|August 29, 2022
Summary
Pro-diversity beliefs may unfairly burden marginalized individuals with expectations of unique contributions, a phenomenon termed the "diverse person's burden." This study explores its origins and proposes solutions for greater equity.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Sociology
- Organizational Behavior
Background:
- Pro-diversity beliefs suggest diversity enhances outcomes across various sectors.
- These beliefs may inadvertently create undue pressure on individuals from marginalized groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the concept of the "diverse person's burden," where marginalized individuals are expected to provide unique benefits.
- To explain the psychological and social mechanisms underlying this phenomenon.
- To propose remedies for mitigating this unfair burden.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis integrating social psychology and sociology.
- Examination of psychological entitlement research.
- Exploration of normic conceptions of diversity.
Main Results:
- Pro-diversity beliefs can lead to expectations that marginalized individuals deliver "bonus" contributions.
- A normic view of diversity, where non-diversity implies privilege, contributes to this burden.
- Psychological entitlement can exacerbate these expectations.
Conclusions:
- The "diverse person's burden" is a significant issue arising from well-intentioned diversity initiatives.
- Structural, institutional, and individual virtue (positional awareness) are crucial for addressing this burden.
- Recommendations include systemic changes and fostering individual awareness to promote equitable environments.
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