About the Seminar
Prof. Khan discusses how to build a department culture that is inclusive and diverse from both a sociological and pragmatic perspective.
As a sociologist, Prof. Khan investigates the efficacy of "diversity programs" in workplaces. His advice: diversity programming works when you focus on engaging those who already believe in your cause. In particular, he mentions grievances procedures to illustrate how punishment focused on swiftness and certainty is more effective than that focused on severity. While he enumerates the benefits associated with a more diverse community, he highlights that these diverse communities are naturally more divisive and contentious.
Additionally, during his stint as Chair of Sociology, Prof. Khan has made various changes to the structure and values of the department with regards to issues of diversity and inclusivity. He discusses the pragmatic challenges involved, and both the positive and negative effects these changes have had on the culture and functioning of his department. In particular, he speaks to cultural changes that help create opportunities for graduate student and faculty interactions such as department service days and grant writing peer and faculty advising. Additionally, Prof. Khan touches on structural changes including reallocations of physical spaces, increased departmental transparency and hiring practices that have had important impacts on the culture of the department.
Resources
Prof. Khan provides several resources from the work of Prof. Frank Dobbin (Harvard) and Prof. Alexandra Kalev (Tel Aviv): Why diversity programs fail and The promise and peril of sexual harassment programs.