Developing Sustainable Methods for Broadening Participation by Transforming Mainstream Science and Technology Communities Through the Normalization of Inclusion

Abstract

Advances in science and technology (S&T) have fueled significant progress in modern society, creating greater demand for a skilled workforce. An important source for S&T talent is being missed due to the loss in greater numbers of people from underrepresented backgrounds such as women, ethnic and racial minorities, and people with disabilities. Progress has been realized in supporting underrepresented individuals (URIs) in S&T by creating strong support systems through same-identity or minority–majority communities such as the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing, Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing, Association of Women in Mathematics, Society of Women in Engineering, the Society of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science, and many more. And yet there is a significant gap between the potential URIs in the S&T workforce and their actual presence. The time has come to expand diversity and inclusion efforts in mainstream scientific communities where professional lives and careers are played out. However, for real change to occur, we cannot just support the underrepresented; we need to transform mainstream communities into places where everyone is not just welcome but is thriving and productive. The easy part of this equation is to apply evidence-based methods for supporting URIs in mainstream communities. The hard part is transforming communities through education, empirical experiences, and sustained efforts that result in tangible benefits to all. This article explores issues and posits potential approaches to develop sustainable methods for broadening participation by transforming mainstream S&T communities through the normalization of inclusion.