UU150 Study Guide - Final Guide: Nagda
Diversity and Social Justice
Why is Diversity Important?
Before delving into this topic, I would like you to take a moment
and read the following quote:
“Loving someone does not simply mean doing things
for them; it is much more profound. To love someone
is to show to them their beauty, their worth and their
importance; it is to understand them, understand
their cries and their body language; it is to rejoice in
their presence, spend time in their company and
communicate with them. To love is to live a heart-to-
heart relationship with another, giving to and
receiving from each other.” ~ Jean Vanier, Seeing
Beyond Depression, p 19
We are often most comfortable with those who are like us, but
studies have demonstrated that individuals, organization and
society in general benefit from diversity encountered in the
workplace, in education, and in the community.
Diversity…
Allows us to learn from others whose experiences, beliefs,
and perspectives are different from our own, which prompts
critical thinking (Pascarella et al., 1996) and the challenging
of stereotypes;
Leads us to be more motivated to take the perspective of
others (leading to a better understanding of other
circumstances), and have a better understanding that
differences do not need to be divisive (Gurin & Nagda,
2004);
Fosters an appreciation for both group differences and
commonalities (Gurin & Nagda, 2004);
Leads to improved decision making processes by increasing
creativity and innovation (Bantle & Jackson, 1989; De Dreu
& West, 2001, and McLeod, Lobel & Cox, 1996);
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Document Summary
Before delving into this topic, i would like you to take a moment and read the following quote: Loving someone does not simply mean doing things for them; it is much more profound. To love is to live a heart-to- heart relationship with another, giving to and receiving from each other. ~ jean vanier, seeing. We are often most comfortable with those who are like us, but studies have demonstrated that individuals, organization and society in general benefit from diversity encountered in the workplace, in education, and in the community. Allows us to learn from others whose experiences, beliefs, and perspectives are different from our own, which prompts critical thinking (pascarella et al. , 1996) and the challenging of stereotypes; Leads us to be more motivated to take the perspective of others (leading to a better understanding of other circumstances), and have a better understanding that differences do not need to be divisive (gurin & nagda,
