3.05 What is diversity?

All the ways in which people differ are known as diversity. Look at the person sitting next to you. Can you list at least five ways in which you are different from that person? Probably! And, most likely, you are different from that person in some ways you never even thought about.

There are two dimensions of diversity. The primary dimensions are those inborn differences that cannot be changed, such as age, race/ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, and certain physical and mental traits and abilities. People cannot change their dates of birth, their DNA, or where they were born.

Secondary dimensions of diversity are those characteristics that may change throughout one’s lifetime. Examples include differences in language, religion, income, geographic location, family status, work experience, communication style, and education level. A person may come to the United States without being able to speak English, but may learn it within a couple of years. A person may start out in an entry-level job making $25,000 a year but over time increase his/her earnings to become a multimillionaire. Family status can also change quickly with marriages, births, and deaths.

As you can see, there are numerous aspects of diversity. Too many people make the mistake of believing that diversity refers to only race or ethnicity and, furthermore, that it is a term that applies only to minorities. Diversity includes everyone, which is why it’s so important to learn how to value it. When you value diversity, you understand the value of humanity—all humanity.