Study Reveals Merit-Based Hiring Perceived as Unfair After Socioeconomic Disparities Highlighted

Research by the American Psychological Association finds both liberals and conservatives reconsider fairness of merit-based hiring upon learning about candidates' socioeconomic backgrounds.

The American Psychological Association's study shows that informing people about socioeconomic disparities leads to perceptions of merit-based hiring as less fair.
Over 3,300 participants across political spectrums shifted their views on merit-based hiring fairness after learning about candidates' socioeconomic advantages or disadvantages.
The study suggests that knowledge of socioeconomic disparities increases support for hiring programs promoting social class diversity.
Experiments did not factor in race, but findings indicate focusing on socioeconomic considerations could also address racial inequality.
Workforce diversity programs focusing on socioeconomic disadvantages may face less political backlash and aid in increasing racial diversity.