Why Progress is Slow in Gender Parity

As part of our Rotman Short Talks series, hear from Professor Sarah Kaplan about why progress towards gender equality is slow. In it, she focuses on the risks of backlash and the discomfort associated with diversity. This talk was part of the launch event for the special issue of the Rotman Management Magazine on Inequality.

Despite significant investment in diversity and inclusion initiatives, gender and racial inequality is not only stagnating but sliding backwards in countries like Canada and the United States. Kaplan points to two key reasons: backlash from those accustomed to privilege who perceive equality as a threat, and the discomfort that genuine diversity requires. She debunks the "quality" argument against diversity by citing research showing that identical work, resumes, and even computers are consistently valued less when associated with a female name, revealing that bias shapes perception regardless of actual performance.

Her proposed solutions center on discomfort as a feature, not a flaw. Drawing on the analogy of exercise, she argues that the friction of diversity is what produces its benefits, and that progress requires ongoing, uncomfortable conversation rather than a once-a-year acknowledgment. Most compellingly, she calls for organizations to treat inequality as an innovation challenge, applying the same tools, talent, and creative investment they dedicate to business growth to the problem of achieving equity.