The Enhanced Agentic Diversity Perspective (EADP): An appeal for Co-creating an accommodative social space so that diversity unlocks innovativeness rather than problems. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wu, Yan Fei; Massart, Alexandre Leurs; Kuczynski, Leon; De Mol, Jan
• Is Part Of: New ideas in psychology. Volume 68(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Agency -- Agentic resources -- Social relational theory -- Enhanced agentic diversity perspective (EADP) -- Personal culture -- Accommodative social space -- Innovative -- Optimal human development; Psychology -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Psychologie -- Philosophie -- Périodiques; Psychologie -- Méthodologie -- Périodiques; Psychology -- Methodology; Psychology -- Philosophy; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 150
• DOI: 10.1016/j.newideapsych.2022.100982
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0732-118X

Abstract

Abstract: We propose in this article an Enhanced Agentic Diversity Perspective (EADP), which is derived from the concept of agentic resources in social relational theory. EADP recognizes that all human beings are equally agents, that agentic expressions differ due to variation of individual access to power resources (individual, relational and cultural) and that the current social conditions serve to promote agentic diversity by enhancing all the three domains of power resources. In addition, EADP comprises a proposal for the development of accommodative social spaces. We argue that only in an accommodative social space can diversity unlock innovation; otherwise, it serves as a source for conflict. A constructive, nonhierarchical account of diversity, such as EADP is needed under current social conditions for the optimal becoming of idiosyncratic human agents as well as human society as a whole. Highlights: Providing a comprehensive and thorough literature review on the topic of agency and human agency in particular which lays a solid foundations for the succeeding argument. Clarifying for the first time the three domains of power resources that support human agentic expression, drawing on social relational theory. Elaborating on the current unique social conditions and corresponding changes caused to human agents' power resources which enhance the diversity of agentic expression. Calling for the co-creation of a more accommodative social space that serves the needs of the historically novel enhanced agentic diversity for the optimal becoming of each citizen, which requires action from every citizen.