What is Diversity For? Examining the Links between Diversity Rationales, Psychological Discomfort, and Perceptions of Racial Injustice

Although surveys suggest that most Americans view diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in schools and workplaces to be a good thing, a majority also oppose the consideration of race in educational and workplace decision-making. Such opinions illustrate a contrast between ideals regarding the value of diversity and preferences regarding efforts to expand diversity. Psychologist Hannah Nam will examine how the degree of discomfort provoked by rationales for increasing diversity relates to support for (or opposition to) diversity-related policies and preferences for expanding racial justice. She will conduct a large-survey experiment for her study.