Dr Hajar Aman Key Yekani
Dr. Hajar Aman Key Yekani is an Assistant Professor of Psychology with expertise in social psychology, cognition, and language. Her interdisciplinary research explores social issues, implicit attitudes, and reading processes across languages, utilizing advanced techniques such as eye tracking. Dr. Yekani’s work bridges social and experimental psychology, offering novel insights through collaborative and innovative approaches.
Beyond Diversity: Addressing Subtle Discrimination in Multicultural Environments
Microaggressions, subtle yet pervasive forms of discrimination, can create hostile environments in both academic and workplace settings, significantly affecting individual well-being and organizational dynamics. This study investigated the prevalence and underlying motivations for ethnicity- and gender-based microaggressions among students at a Middle Eastern multicultural university with predominantly ethnocentric values.
Sixteen students participated in focus groups, and a thematic analysis identified five primary drivers of microaggressions: psychological, gender- and ethnicity-related, social, and sociocultural factors. Microaggressions manifested as either defence mechanisms or expressions of superiority. In gender-related contexts, participants reported devaluation, with their achievements minimized compared to male peers, while nonconformity to traditional gender roles often triggered discriminatory behaviors. Social exclusion emerged as a prevalent theme, with individuals feeling marginalized based on race or gender. Humour was frequently employed to mask microaggressions, reinforcing stereotypes, while the normalization of discriminatory behaviours and social desirability pressures within peer groups perpetuated exclusion and bias.
These findings highlight the pressing need for continuous education and awareness in both educational institutions and workplaces to address microaggressions and promote cultural competence. Strategies to foster inclusive environments must go beyond surface-level diversity by actively challenging underlying biases through tailored training programs and inclusive policies. For educational settings, implementing structured communication and diversity training can create more supportive environments that enhance student engagement and well-being. In the workplace, these insights emphasize the importance of developing culturally competent teams and mitigating exclusionary practices to improve morale and productivity.
This research contributes to understanding the complex drivers of microaggressions, offering valuable guidance for crafting effective diversity and inclusion strategies applicable to both academia and professional environments across the Middle East and beyond. While this study focused on a university context, its implications are relevant for broader organizational policy development and practice.
This research directly aligns with the IPCD 2025: Change theme by addressing the subtle yet impactful forms of discrimination—microaggressions—that perpetuate inequality and hinder progress in diverse communities. By uncovering the drivers behind microaggressions, this work emphasizes the need for transformative strategies to challenge entrenched biases and promote inclusivity. This change is vital for fostering environments that embrace diversity, nurture cultural competence, and enhance well-being. Through actionable insights, the research contributes to building systems that not only recognize the importance of diversity but actively work to dismantle barriers, driving meaningful and lasting change.