New research shows men feel discriminated against
Nearly half of employed men admitted that they are "fatigued” over discussions related to diversity and inclusion in the workplace, according to new research, while at the same time saying that they are "suffering from reverse-discrimination." The latest study from The Dream Collective revealed 48% of males working in "white collar" positions feel "fatigued by diversity inclusion discussion." According to the research, 87% said they hadn’t felt or seen any significant change to their workplace, while 26% shared that their work environment "has become more empowering over the last two years."
The data revealed that 52% of men feel as if they’ve experienced reverse discrimination - a term used when a dominant or majority group feels they have been discriminated against in favour of the minority. Despite admitting to this, however, 57% of the respondents also said that opportunities for advancement in their workplace remained the same, while 26% indicated that it improved. The study pointed out that the results demonstrate a case of "discrepancy between perception and reality."
Sarah Liu, founder and director of The Dream Collective, said the findings point to a lack of clear understanding on privilege.
"What that really signals is that people don't really have a sound understanding of what privilege is because for people with privilege, taking away that privilege feels like discrimination," Liu told the Australian Financial Review.
Other key findings
The research found that 61% are aware and willing to engage in discussions on gender equality, however, they admitted to doing this out of obligation instead of personal convictions. Only 22% believe that their actions have a "critical impact on gender equality," while 32% said that promoting the agenda is a "zero-sum game."
Initiatives related to gender quality by human resource as "not at all motivating or engaging," according 33% of the participants.
