Why doesnt Diversity Training work

Frank Dobbin / Alexandra Kalev

What causes achievement gaps?

Poverty, discrimination, teacher expectations, school inequality, and neighborhood conditions.

What is implicit bias?

Unconscious stereotypes affecting behavior.

Why does diversity training often fail?

It rarely changes long-term behavior.

What is stereotype rebound?

Trying not to stereotype can reinforce stereotypes.

What is moral licensing?

Feeling less biased after doing one “good” action.

Why does mandatory diversity training create backlash?

People resist feeling forced.

What works better than one-time diversity training?

Structural changes like mentoring and leadership involvement.

What did “The Trouble with Boys” study find?

Boys are more negatively affected by instability.

Why does education matter economically?

Higher education increases earnings.

How much more do college graduates earn?

About 80% more.

What is the main idea connecting both articles?

Structural systems shape inequality and opportunity.

Why do diversity trainings fail?

Short-term effects, backlash, stereotype activation, no structural change.

What reduces inequality better than awareness alone?

Structural/institutional change.

Why do Black girls often outperform Black boys academically?

Boys are often more negatively affected by instability and adversity.

Why are teacher expectations important?

They influence confidence, discipline, and achievement.

What is the difference between individual bias and structural inequality?

Individual = personal attitudes; structural = unfair systems.