Working on diversity

Something that caught my attention recently was a new study published addressing ethnic and gender inequalities in the workplace.

The guardian on the -workplace-diversity-study

The study, conducted by David R. Helman and colleagues, aimed to 'help solve the puzzle of why top-level leaders are disproportionately white men'. It hypothesized that a prominent signifier in the gap in power relations could be due to women and ethnic minorities being penalized for diversity-valuing behavior, while white males aren't. 

'We find that this divergent effect results from traditional negative race and sex stereotypes (i.e. lower competence judgments) placed upon diversity-valuing ethnic minority and women leaders. We discuss how our findings extend and enrich the vast literatures on the glass ceiling, tokenism, and workplace discrimination.'

link to the study

I think what is apparent here, is that the traditional negative stereotypes that run through Western discourses and ideologies have real-life effects, not only on an institutional level, but on a personal and individual level. I think one interesting topic is the delegation of work roles in society based on racial profiling. It may seem far fetched, but I believe there is some truth to the assignment of particular roles based on traits associated with stereotypes. I think what often happens is the internalization of stereotypes and perceived traits that one should take on when conforming to a particular stereotype. Racial stereotypes are not the only problem here. Often other stereotypes prescribe certain qualities, worldviews, attributes and behaviors on people, which they may not feel as if they have an option to unsubscribe to.

Another important factor in understanding race relations and inequalities within the work force is colonization. The expectation for indigenous people or ethnic minorities to adapt to Western lifestyles, and adhere to Western values and beliefs is often viewed as a given. Rarely do Westerners question the impact of day-to-day routines, and the conflicts and inequalities that indigenous people have to deal with. 

I think it is important to understand that at the heart of these discrepancies and conflicts within individuals from ethnic minorities, there often lies many cultural differences and approaches to life. The Western emphasis on the individual; a constant strive to succeed, better oneself and become independent, doesn't take into account the importance of the collective consciousness that indigenous cultures value and respect so much. The importance of Whanau, elders, an open community and a focus on holistic wellbeing, which integrates different spiritual and historical elements, often is pushed aside in Western cultures, and people from different cultural backgrounds are expected to just conform to Western ideals.

I think it is important to dissect these issues from cultural perspectives. We should also be encouraging diversity, not only in the workplace, but in all other spheres! 

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/mar/25/women-minoriites-penalized-workplace-diversity-study

http://amj.aom.org/content/early/2016/03/03/amj.2014.0538.abstrac