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Associate Program Material

Diversity Worksheet

Answer each question in 50 to 150 words. Provide citations for all the sources you use.

1. What is diversity? Why is diversity valued?

Diversity extends far beyond race and culture to include a number of dimensions of differences. Loden and Rosener (1991) describe two major dimensions of diversity: primary and secondary. Primary dimensions are things that we cannot change. They include age, race, ethnicity, gender, physical qualities and sexual orientation. Secondary dimensions include topics such as income, education, religious beliefs, military experience, geographic location, parental status and marital status. People are usually less sensitive about the secondary dimensions, because they are elements which we have some power to change. This model vividly demonstrates that we are all similar and different on an infinite number of dimensions. By positioning diversity as something that applies to everyone, it becomes something that everyone can care about and support. Rasmussen (1996).

a. Diversity is defined in the dictionary as "the condition of being different."

b. the state or fact of being diverse; difference; unlikeness: diversity of opinion.

c. variety; multiformity.

d. a point of difference.

e. ethnic, gender, racial, and socioeconomic variety in a situation, institution, or group; the coexistence of different ethnic, gender, racial, and socioeconomic groups within one social unit

f. Ethnic diversity is when an area or group is composed of more than one culture. Ethnic diversity,

Valuing diversity recognizes differences between people and acknowledges that these differences are a valued asset. Multicultural education is an important component of valuing diversity . It respects diversity while teaching all children and youth to become effective and participating members of a democracy. It respects individuality while promoting respect for...