Understanding the Psychological Roots of the DEI Backlash

The backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts is often seen as a political or social trend. Yet, this reaction runs deeper than politics. It reflects a psychological defense rooted in a worldview shaped by colonial history. This worldview influences how we understand objectivity, professionalism, and social responsibility. To grasp why DEI faces resistance, we need to explore the psychological framework that underlies much of Western culture and institutions.

The Backlash Is More Than Politics

Many people treat DEI as just a political issue or a set of workplace rules. But the resistance to DEI reflects a deeper psychological conflict. This conflict is about how people see themselves and others in society. It challenges a long-standing way of thinking that values individual freedom over collective responsibility.

Arthur W. Blume, in his work on community and equality, points out that some cultures prioritize individual liberty so strongly that they overlook social responsibility. This mindset is not accidental; it was shaped by colonialism and empire-building. The backlash against DEI is a defense of this mindset, which continues to influence how societies operate.

What Is the Imperial Psychological Schema?

A psychological schema is a mental framework that helps people organize and interpret information. These schemas shape what we notice, how we categorize experiences, and what we believe to be true. The imperial psychological schema is a dominant framework that emerged from colonial societies. It is deeply embedded in education, institutions, and cultural norms.

This schema favors:

• Individualism over interdependence

• Neutrality over relationship

• Sameness over diversity

  
  

It assumes that being neutral means being objective, but this neutrality often ignores the experiences and perspectives of marginalized groups. The imperial psychological schema shapes how we define professionalism, healing, and harm, often excluding cultural differences and community-based values.

How DEI Challenges the Imperial Schema

DEI efforts disrupt the imperial psychological schema by emphasizing connection, community, and the value of diverse experiences. DEI asks us to reconsider what fairness and equality mean beyond individual rights. It calls for recognizing systemic barriers and collective responsibility.

This challenge can feel threatening to those who identify with the imperial schema because it questions long-held beliefs about merit, neutrality, and objectivity. The backlash is a psychological defense mechanism to protect this worldview.

Examples of the Imperial Schema in Action

• Workplace Culture: Many organizations reward individual achievement and competition, reflecting the imperial schema’s focus on individualism. DEI initiatives encourage collaboration and recognize systemic inequalities, which can feel uncomfortable in such environments.

  
  

• Education Systems: Curriculums often present history and knowledge from a single, dominant perspective. DEI pushes for inclusive education that values multiple cultural narratives, challenging the idea of a single “neutral” truth.

  
  

• Mental Health Practices: Traditional psychology often centers on individual pathology without considering community or cultural context. DEI promotes culturally responsive care that acknowledges collective experiences and healing.

  
  

Why Understanding This Matters

Recognizing the psychological roots of the DEI backlash helps us move beyond surface-level debates. It reveals that resistance is not just about politics but about protecting a worldview that shapes how society functions. This understanding invites us to reflect on our own perspectives and the frameworks we use to interpret the world.

By acknowledging the imperial psychological schema, we can better support DEI efforts that aim to build more inclusive, connected, and equitable communities.

Moving Forward

The backlash against DEI is a sign that deep change is underway. It calls for honest conversations about the values that guide our institutions and relationships. Embracing DEI means questioning the assumptions of the imperial psychological schema and opening space for new ways of seeing and being.

This process is not easy, but it is necessary for creating societies where everyone can thrive. The next step is to engage with these ideas thoughtfully and support efforts that promote collective care and justice.