Around 4 years back when in Germany (when similar career stage white ECRs were getting those new roles), I started to look into the editorial boards diversity of few reputed journals in my field and came out ridiculed. But these PNAS authors didn't give up and have quantified the bias. Bravo!!
I am not surprised that this is the case, given the systemic racism in academia. However, I think it's maybe even more complex and might also interact strongly with the location of the host affiliation. I am happy that we handle a lot (a majority?) of non-EU/US/AU manuscripts at Annals!
I think it's vital to get these regular reminders. I think they do shift mindsets, and create awareness. We all need to try and be better allies. There's no reason not to be!
I see your point, but I'm afraid if it's truly only driven by racism (and that's for sure a huge component of it in any case), if we don't work on THAT, all the efforts in the world won't help these groups receive the recognition they deserve. In an unfair world, there are other factors to tackle.
On a side note, Especially for the USA, for academic positions they ask for diversity & inclusion statements. To me, it is absurd. Shall one write how THEY should include people from diverse backgrounds. Because if they ask applicants, some may have not even known of existence of these statements.
Well, that is a simple way for institutions to pretend to care, while making the next generation responsible for the problems that many generations before have created. These statements can be entirely made up. Look at whom the candidate published with. Whom did they supervise? Much more reliable!
Partly yes. Publishing with known names is also a privilege for many not for others and extremely hard for many global south folks which may come with a price.
I don't have an answer to what should be done, however, as you rightly mentioned that regular reminders might help.
Important to know about. I will try to find/post citation for a recent paper about small improvements in these areas in development/agricultural economics. Stay tuned.
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I don't have an answer to what should be done, however, as you rightly mentioned that regular reminders might help.