Zero-Sum Thinking and Its Impact on Equality Policies

Zero-sum thinking, which is more common among majority groups, such as white people, men, and Christians, hinders the implementation of policies that aim to increase equality. This mindset leads to an adversarial relationship with others, such as women, and prevents people from accepting the idea of more equality as not taking something away from them. Studies have shown that individuals who engage in zero-sum thinking struggle to process the implementation of policies promoting equality without believing that it will negatively impact them, even when the policies are intended to benefit marginalized groups.