Weaponization of Diversity Rhetoric: An Insidious Route to Justifying Inequity

Abstract

Do White egalitarians (i.e., those low in social dominance orientation) weaponize diversity rhetoric to justify racial inequities? Two preregistered studies examine the weaponization of diversity rhetoric – the appropriation of diversity messaging for the benefit of privileged people. Study 1 (N=356) presents White Americans with arguments opposing a school affirmative action policy, while Study 2 (N=121) focuses on White egalitarians justifying an inequitable workplace hiring policy. In both studies, participants encounter two types of arguments: one that weaponizes diversity rhetoric (e.g., claims of affirmative action harms Asian Americans) and another that employs traditional opposition rhetoric (e.g., claims of reverse discrimination toward White Americans). White egalitarians favored the arguments that weaponize diversity rhetoric in both school and workplace contexts. This effect was mediated by weaponization rhetoric reducing concerns about being perceived as racist. Our research demonstrates that diversity rhetoric may be a route exploited by White egalitarians to maintain racial inequities.