Special Event: Presidential Roundtable

Friday, May 23, 2025, 1:00 pm – 2:50 pm  

In 2023, the Association for Psychological Science (APS) launched the Presidential Roundtable. The Roundtable is convened during the APS Annual Convention and is an opportunity for invited attendees to participate in discussions shaping the future of APS and the discipline.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): International Perspectives and Challenges 

This Presidential Roundtable aims to increase awareness of the research efforts across different countries and continents on DEI issues and the successes and challenges of these efforts globally.  Four researchers with expertise from across several countries present the research or practices that they have carried out and findings on effectiveness of different approaches. They also briefly discuss broader issues, such as the government support and protections in place, the response of business to DEI initiatives, the effect of US trends on these efforts, and the future of DEI research and interventions. Half of the session time is reserved for discussion among the panel and with the audience.    

Chair:  APS President Randi C. Martin, Rice University 

The Psychological Cost of Inequality: How Economic Disparities Drive Us Apart 

Speaker: Rosa Rodríguez Bailón, University of Granada 

Economic inequality is a feature present in all modern societies. Some countries have made efforts to reduce it, while in other contexts, its maintenance has been advocated. In this brief presentation, Rodriguez-Bailon provides evidence supporting the negative psychological impacts that economic inequality has on both the more and the less privileged, particularly those related to individuals’ social relations and well-being. She will also outline some recommendations derived from research to promote equality. 

Evidence vs. Ignorance in EDI Policy: Supporting LGBTQI+ Inclusion in a Changing Landscape 

Speaker: Mustafa F. Ozbilgin, Brunel University of London   

This presentation explores the development of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) policies in both supportive and adversarial contexts, with a focus on LGBTQI+ inclusion. Drawing on the sociology of ignorance and evidence-based policymaking, Ozbilgin examines how policies are shaped by scientific evidence, knowledge gaps, ideological resistance, and political backlash. The discussion will discuss recent backlash such as rollbacks in EDI efforts and provide insights into overt and subtle strategies for navigating contemporary challenges in organizational and governmental settings. 

DEI in the American Shadow 

Speaker: Felicia A. Henderson, INSEAD Business School, France 

This presentation explores the impacts of the visibility and centrality of US-based corporate DEI in global practice and imagination. Combining organizational research with observations from her practice consulting to multi-national corporations, Henderson will discuss cultural “reactance,” including factors that may shape individual attitudes within national cultures. She will also discuss strategies for integrating culturally sensitive considerations when seeking to extend and adapt US-based research and practices to other contexts. Acknowledging global commonalities, Henderson will explore nuances that may influence acceptance and effectiveness of DEI in local contexts. 

On the Consequences of Social Class, and Why it Matters for Young Scientists 

Speaker: Kunalan Manokara, Duke University  

In a world where economic inequality is readily observable, documenting the psychological impacts of social class has become especially urgent. In this talk, Manokara first summarizes a selection of key findings on the psychological consequences of social class: it influences the way we see ourselves (e.g., identity), view other people (e.g., perceptions), experience situations (e.g., emotions), and navigate our social worlds (e.g., beliefs). He also points to some systemic efforts that seek to level the playing field for young scholars from disadvantaged backgrounds and concludes by sharing thoughts on how early career scientists can (effectively) engage with these initiatives.