Before DEIB and Beyond--A (Re)Fresh Lewinian Approach.

Kurt Lewin (1890-1947) created an effective and scientific approach to addressing prejudice. His social science addressed change inside and outside of organizations, and situations small and large ranging from individual change to the reconstruction of Germany. Lewin's systemic perspective illuminates the role racism plays in the historic and contemporary struggle in the US between authoritarianism and democracy. In contrast, the DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) movement has no clear theoretical foundation. Many practitioners lean heavily on a moral mandate, lecturing at participants and admonishing them to search themselves for biases. Lewin's own work on education anticipated the likely counter-reaction to such an approach and points the way towards reliable change through truly inclusive dialogue and action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]