Fighting the system: Challenges to diversity and equality in Social (and other) Psychology

Abstract

We must face this fact: psychology is not sufficiently equal and diverse. Recent studies highlight inequalities within the discipline of social psychology and structural disadvantages faced by researchers from, among others, the region of South and Eastern Europe (Bou Zeineddine, Saab, Lášticová, Kende, & Ayanian, 2021; Nyúl, Lantos, Reicher, & Kende, 2021). Building on these insights, we proposed a project supported by the European Association of Social Psychology that aims to establish and empower a network of social psychologists from ten countries within the region of South and East Europe (Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Kosovo, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Latvia). This symposium is meant to be a local meeting of social psychologists to identify the challenges and possible solutions – practices and resources that can help. We want to present some insights and experiences to stimulate a discussion with our colleagues. In her talk, Bojana Bodroža will offer insights into the issue of how limited resources are a challenge to producing high-quality research and how these challenges can be overcome by relying on open-source practices and building international collaborations. Tijana Karić will discuss the challenges and opportunities for young researchers, as the early stage of their career is recognized as the turning point affecting the future international participation of researchers. Finally, Iris Žeželj will focus on examples of applicable practices aimed at increasing equality and diversity in the discipline that are overcoming the challenge of tokenism, such as inclusive editorial policies and fair crediting of co-authorship. The ambition of this symposium is thus to share experiences and empower researchers in future efforts at international participation, aware of challenges and biases but also more aware of their strengths and the opportunities for collaboration within the region.