The Diversity Concept

WHAT IS DIVERSITY?

Diversity is the understanding that each person, family, community and societal group has its own unique characteristics which distinguishes them from others, as well as recognition and respect for people as whole persons within their social ecological, historical and cultural contexts. Differences include age, ethnicity, class, gender, disability, physical attributes etc., race and sexual orientation. Religion also plays a part in this; so does sexual orientation; so do immigrant status; academic background; geographic location; earnings; Vernacular language used at home or on the street ; relationship status (single/ married/ divorced); parental status (mom/dad/single mom/single dad), exposure to trauma (abuse victim/war veteran); work history (unemployed/upwardly mobile blue collar worker). The notion of diversity is a separate concept with its own set of values and core principles: equality inclusion pluralism doesn’t imply it. Nevertheless there are relationships between diversity,and equality inclusion,and pluralism.

DIVERSITY AS A CONCEPT IN COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY

Community psychology essentially relies on diversity.

It is an ethical requirement and moral imperative to deal with injustices oppressive institutionsand structural systemic disparities. Inclusive knowledge production requires a diverse scholarship across various disciplines – whether through community-based participatory research or by bringing others into leadership positions within existing academic structures. Democracy demands decolonisation of knowledge whereby diversities in terms of several perspectives voices lived experiences that are distinct from one’s own should be included.

In order to address diversity issues effectively,the community psychologist must ethically engage with divergent populations as well as social groups whose complexity mirrors their experience of life.

DIVERSITY IS VALUE

Diversity is an ethical value which goes beyond recognising and/or accepting differences. It involves intentional acceptance that individuals and communities are unique in themselves. Recognising these differences among people allows us to recognise develop and use each person’s abilities. Finally it is crucial to promote and protect diversity as we encourage an environment that frowns upon oppression and dehumanisation while promoting equality, respect for others, and differences. Diverse variety of people from different demographic and philosophical backgrounds have recognised the importance of diversity.

Embracing variety does not diminish similarities or commonalities between groups or among humans, but rather supports the coexistence of differences that reflect the entire expression of humanity, with every shade of skin colour having equal worth regardless of race or ethnicity.

Respecting variety entails striving consciously to connect meaningfully to those traits and situations that differ from our own and exist outside of the groupings to which we identify.

Valuing variety entails being open, accepting “not knowing,” and realising and committing to continuous learning about human differences and how to relate with individuals who are different from ourselves.

To value diversity, we must hold institutions, organisations, and ourselves accountable for addressing the manner in which means and assistance are accessible to achieve inclusion and fair opportunity.

PRACTICE VARIATION

Diversity consists many acts done on purpose such as:

• Understanding that individuals can be different from each other if they choose so.
• Interconnectedness in humanity’s civilisations’ natural environments.
• Mutual respect for characteristics/experiences that differ from our own.

Diversity does not only mean more choices; it also implies diverse ways people think about things.

Considering that personal, cultural and systemic discrimination creates and perpetuates benefits for some while also producing and preserving disadvantages for others who are considered to be “different” from the mainstream or dominant group in any given social context.

• Forming collaborations across divides to get rid of all forms of prejudice.
• Uncovering these discrepancies through a supportive, friendly, safe context.
• Understanding each other and moving beyond mere tolerance towards acceptance and respect
• Each person is a treasure trove of different many facets.
• Cultivating cultural sensitivity