Understanding drivers of effective change
The report aims to deepen understanding of how equality measures are perceived and accepted by majority/dominant groups, and what can be done to improve progress on equality. Firstly, it synthetizes knowledge from multiple research disciplines looking at mechanisms for resistance to equality. Such research shows that people may perceive equality as a threat, in relation to their assets, their social ranking, and their system of values. Then, it looks at a number of past experiences of equality measures, analysing what enabled their success or caused their failure. Finally, it connects the dots, distilling lessons on “what works” in the implementation of equality and inclusion measures.
Among these conclusive lessons, there is a reflection on the role of cultural norms, and the observation that such norms may evolve through compliance with legislation and diffusion of positive examples. Empathy built through narrative exchanges may greatly facilitate social change, but it may be volatile. Eliciting awareness of shared interests and potential win-wins may be crucial to reducing conflict. Framing measures in neutral terms rather than emphasizing group identities makes them more acceptable. On the same line, universal schemes are consistently more accepted than selective schemes targeting specific groups.
CASSIO Laura Giulia;
2024-06-07
Publications Office of the European Union
JRC136369
978-92-68-13730-7 (online),
978-92-68-13770-3 (print),
1831-9424 (online),
1018-5593 (print),
EUR 31881 EN,
OP KJ-NA-31-881-EN-N (online),
OP KJ-NA-31-881-EN-C (print),
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC136369,
10.2760/150711 (online),
10.2760/805058 (print),
