Stabilizing the ground beneath our feet: Reflections on the shifting sands of diversity, equity and inclusion ( DEI )

Abstract

This invited commentary presents our personal reflections upon the evolving diversity, equality/equity and inclusion (DEI) landscape since the publication of our review, Fletcher and Beauregard's (2022) 'The psychology of diversity and its implications for workplace (in)equality: Looking back at the last decade and forward to the next'. We highlight a shift from widespread institutional support to increased political and legal contestation, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. Despite declining organizational emphasis on DEI terminology, scholarly interest remains strong and increasingly interdisciplinary. Recent research advances understanding of workplace diversity through empirical, theoretical and perspective‐based contributions, though much remains fragmented across single identity categories. We call for greater integration of intersectionality and expanded theoretical frameworks, including relational inequality theory, to better capture structural and relational dynamics. We also recommend assessing the influence of broader cultural and socio‐political events on workplace diversity climates and attitudes and behaviours towards minoritized groups. Drawing on diverse data sources, we advocate for more reflexive, systemic approaches to DEI research and practice.