According to a new paper, people (even those with strong egalitarian beliefs) block policies that reduce disparities as they often think that the gain of one group must lead to a loss for another. This “zero-sum view of equality” is a roadblock for those that are seeking ways to increase equality at the work floor.
Resistance is something of all times. Progression on the one side, like gender fluidity, same-sex relations and the increase of women in prominent positions, leads to backlash on the other side. People are very scared of losing what they have; we feel more pain from a loss than we do pleasure from an equivalent gain. When talking about equality or inclusivity at work, emphasizing what’s in it for different parties is, therefore, an absolute must.
