How Good Is Diversity? An Exploration of the Relationship Between Perceptions of Microaggressions and Diversity Rationales in Universities

Abstract

In recent years, research have begun to explore how the way diversity is rationalized leads to inequitable student experiences for white students and students of colors. This study explored if diversity rationales have an association with perceptions of microaggressions. Participants were ethnically diverse and college-aged individuals currently residing the United State. We hypothesized there would be a decrease in perceptions of hurtfulness and an increase in perceptions of acceptability and frequency for microaggressions occurring within an instrumental diversity rationale compared a moral rationale. Results showed microaggressions are expected to happen more often in an instrumental rationale and are perceived as more acceptable. Yet, they were not considered more or less hurtful in an instrumental or moral diversity rationale. There were additional findings for associations for the specific microaggression themes and perceptions. This was important to look into because microaggressions have negative impacts on the well-being of minorities, and it is not appropriate to use the instrumental diversity rationale if it leads to more racial microaggressions which negatively impact ethnic minorities.