I have always wondered about this: does diversity training work?

Leaving aside whether or not one agrees with the concept of diversity training, does it actually work?

Is there research-based evidence that diversity training makes people more tolerant of cultural, religious, gender-based (etc. etc.) differences?

A strong body of emerging research is starting to suggest that diversity training as it is currently practiced in the United States actually reinforces existing prejudices rather than reducing them.

Which, if it is correct, would explain a lot.

h/t Overlawyered.com

Comments

Dana Garrett said…

Well, I read the Psychology Today article and found it naive. While it is certainly true that it is mistaken to think of individuals as exemplars of.categories, it is also mistaken to think that, for example, that people don't manifest traits of their cultures and that others cannot misinterpret those traits as a result of their own cultural traits. One cultural trait of my.culture is the idea that if someone doesn't look you in the eye when.they are talking to you they are either being evasive or deceitful or both. But people from some cultural backgrounds don't look others (especially officials) in the eye as sign of respect. Are we really supposed to believe that.there is no.value whatsoever in learning about those cultural differences especially for those who are public officials?

April 28, 2012 at 11:38 PM

Walt Wiszowaty said…

What strong body of emerging research?

April 30, 2012 at 8:48 PM

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