In the rapidly evolving landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), many practitioners find themselves grappling with how to root their work in something more substantial than personal experiences. For those who are deeply committed to advancing equity, relying solely on lived experiences—while valuable—can only take us so far. What truly elevates DEI work is grounding it in well-established theories and models that provide both context and depth, ensuring that the work is both intentional and sustainable.
At the heart of impactful DEI work lies the critical question: What theories and frameworks are your efforts grounded in? This question forces us to reflect on the ways in which our work is scaffolded—whether through personal narratives or academic scholarship—and why that matters. For some, particularly those starting out, identifying specific theories may feel challenging. However, as practitioners grow and evolve, it becomes increasingly necessary to incorporate these frameworks, not just to build credibility, but to ensure that DEI work is meaningful and transformative.
Grounding DEI in Theory: A Necessary Foundation
According to Dr. Lauren J in a recent LinkedIn post, when she first started the journey into DEI work over a decade ago, she couldn’t name the theoretical frameworks that were informing her efforts. She knew she wanted to create spaces where people felt they belonged and were valued, but she hadn’t yet delved into the scholarly foundations that would support this mission. Over time, she realized how crucial it was to become a practitioner rooted in both theory and practice. After all, real change requires a balance of lived experience and scholarly understanding.
For her, several theories have become indispensable in her everyday work:
- Critical Race Theory (CRT): This framework exposes how race and racism are woven into the fabric of our legal, social, and institutional systems. It helps to illustrate how inequalities are not just individual biases but systemic issues that require systemic solutions.
- Black Feminist Thought: Grounded in the experiences of Black women, this theory challenges us to understand how intersecting forms of oppression—race, gender, and class—shape individual lives and institutional structures.
- Standpoint Theory: This emphasizes that knowledge is socially situated and that marginalized groups can offer unique, valuable perspectives on power dynamics that dominant groups may overlook.
- Abolition of the Prison Industrial Complex (PIC): By focusing on the dismantling of systems of mass incarceration and state violence, this theory calls attention to how systems of oppression interlock, and the importance of envisioning a world without punitive carceral systems.
- Adult Development Theories: These provide insight into how adults grow, learn, and develop, helping to shape more effective strategies for engaging individuals at various stages of their personal and professional lives.
When she reflected on her growth as a DEI practitioner, she could see how these theories have enabled her to move beyond anecdotal evidence and personal experience. While lived experiences are powerful, grounding them in scholarship has allowed her to better articulate the systemic nature of inequity and to propose solutions that go beyond individual-level interventions.
Broadening the Conversation: Additional Theories in DEI Work
The significance of grounding DEI efforts in scholarship is becoming increasingly recognized among practitioners. Others, too, have shared how their work is informed by different theories and models. Some of these models include:
- Intersectionality (Kimberlé Crenshaw): This framework is foundational to understanding how overlapping identities (race, gender, sexuality, etc.) affect people’s lived experiences, particularly within systems of oppression.
- Transformational Leadership Theory: By encouraging leaders to inspire change and motivate others toward a shared vision, this theory is essential in DEI work, where leading with empathy and vision is critical.
- Social Identity Theory: This explains how people’s sense of who they are is based on their group memberships, which is vital for understanding inclusion, belonging, and how people navigate spaces of privilege and oppression.
- Liberation Pedagogy (Paulo Freire): Focused on the idea that education should empower the oppressed, Freire’s theory of liberating education from oppressive systems is crucial for fostering an environment of critical consciousness and transformative learning.
- Relational-Cultural Theory: This theory emphasizes the importance of relationships and interconnectedness, challenging the traditional individualistic focus of development and emphasizing the role of community in shaping individual growth.
- Change Management (William Bridges Transition Model): Often overlooked, this theory is critical for understanding how people transition through organizational change, helping to implement DEI initiatives in a way that is sustainable and sensitive to human dynamics.
Why It Matters: Moving Beyond Personal Experience
While personal narratives are powerful tools for storytelling and empathy-building, DEI work must extend beyond anecdotal evidence. Relying solely on lived experiences can limit our ability to create systems-level change. By grounding our work in theory, we gain access to frameworks that have been rigorously tested, refined, and applied across different contexts. These theories help us to identify patterns of oppression, anticipate challenges, and develop interventions that are not just reactive but proactive.
Moreover, the intentional blending of scholarship and lived experiences strengthens our ability to advocate for policies and systems that promote justice. When we root our work in theory, we are able to articulate our goals more clearly, communicate our ideas more effectively, and collaborate with others who share our commitment to systemic change.
Resources for Grounding DEI Work in Theory
For those looking to deepen their theoretical grounding, here are some resources that can help you expand your understanding of the models and frameworks that shape DEI work:
- Critical Race Theory: “Critical Race Theory: The Key Writings That Formed the Movement” edited by Kimberlé Crenshaw, Neil Gotanda, and Gary Peller.
- Black Feminist Thought: “Black Feminist Thought” by Patricia Hill Collins.
- Standpoint Theory: “Feminist Standpoint Theory Reader: Intellectual and Political Controversies” edited by Sandra Harding.
- Abolition of the Prison Industrial Complex: “Are Prisons Obsolete?” by Angela Y. Davis.
- Intersectionality: “Intersectionality: Key Concepts” by Patricia Hill Collins and Sirma Bilge.
- Liberation Pedagogy: “Pedagogy of the Oppressed” by Paulo Freire.
- Relational-Cultural Theory: “The Power of Connection: Recent Developments in Relational-Cultural Theory” by Judith V. Jordan.
- Change Management: “Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change” by William Bridges.
Conclusion: Intentionality in DEI Work
DEI practitioners have a responsibility to ground their work in something deeper than their own experiences. It is about being intentional, continually learning, and ensuring that their work is rooted in both scholarship and the lived realities of those they aim to serve. By integrating these frameworks into everyday practice, we create pathways for deeper, more sustainable change that addresses the systems of oppression that continue to shape our world. Through this approach, we ensure that our work is not only impactful today but remains relevant and transformative for generations to come.