Tokenism in academia

Desirable diversity means that higher education institutions will allow diversity within their walls as long as the diversity performs in ways that are beneficial to the institution. This means that Pasifika women are required to perform not only the excess labour outlined above and in the literature, but also a performative labour that ensures they meet the institution’s expectation of desirable diversity if they wish to progress or remain in their careers.

– Naepi, 2021, p.71

Pacific scholars are superficially included without meaningful integration in our universities. Tokenism manifests as Pacific academics being showcased during specific diversity events while their knowledge remains marginalised. Universities often exhibit ‘non-performative diversity’, where public commitments to diversity do not translate into substantive changes, leaving Pacific scholars to bear the brunt of extra emotional and intellectual labour. Additionally, Pacific women face compounded challenges due to intersecting racial and gender biases, requiring them to constantly prove their worth in an environment that often devalues their contributions. This superficial inclusion underscores the need for more profound structural changes to embrace diversity and inclusion genuinely.