The phrase "entrenched positions" refers to firmly held beliefs or opinions that people are unwilling to change, even when presented with new information or evidence. Full definition
It helps explain why we often unnecessarily repeat mistakes and defend entrenched positions. (inc.com)
But if this knowledge is to be acted on, politicians and the public on both sides will need to abandon entrenched positions. (newscientist.com)
And maybe they were good long ago, but too often these days they serve merely to stifle progress, entrench the positions of giant corporations and enrich those in the legal profession, rather than the actual inventors. (businessinsider.com)