Career Link Foundation

Career Link Foundation

Diversity & Equity



Global Gallery
Issues of cultural diversity, equity, religion and spirituality, have formed the basis of human interaction throughout time. The exploitation of the characteristics that distinguish one person, family, groups, organization, and nation from the other, have often been exposed through the understanding of the common bonds which have united us during the course of history.

We are distinguished and united by differences and similarities according to gender, age, language, culture, race, sexual identity, religion, geography, and income level--just to name a few. Such diversity challenges our intellect and emotions as we learn to work and live together in harmony. Here, you will discover the many themes that run through this issue and make it unique to the study of human development.

One major theme is that of the globalization of culture. By reading the information contained here you will be prompted with the question of whether or not the globalization of markets, technology, communication, and political and social interests has led to the homogenization of culture on a global scale? Another way to approach this same question is to ask yourself whether or not globalisation has served to diversify and perhaps even isolate cultural groups making diversity and equity a thing of virtual reality but not of the “real world???. As the globalization of markets, technology and information sweeps the world, you will read that some argue that there is a profound need for a new global consensus on basic values.

Growing homogenization is countered by accelerating fragmentation: people are brought increasingly together at the same time as they are driven apart. Bridges must be built between them. What principles can provide shared points of reference, the minimal moral guidance the world must heed? Is this the job of religions and spiritual leaders or of politicians and concerned citizens? Is this what the world should aim to do? What are the implications of a unified global culture? Any attempt to formulate a global ethic must draw on cultural resources, on people’s intelligence, on their emotional experiences, their historical memories and their spiritual orientations. Even in the case where this might be possible it is still highly improbable and unachievable.

Another major theme pertaining to the issue of diversity and equity is that of conflict. As has been the case since time immemorial, differences in ethnicity, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, language or political affiliation have all been at the root of conflict. Even though no culture is a hermetically sealed entity and all cultures are influenced by and in turn influence other cultures, this does not mean that they are not conflictive in their encounters with other such divergent cultural groups. It follows that no one cultural group is void of change, invariant or static. All cultures are in a state of constant flux, driven by both internal and external forces. As you will learn in this unit, the principle of pluralism, which manifests itself best in the form of understanding and respect for differences, is important not only for the relationship between communities and different ethnic or cultural groups but also between countries and regions. These relations have become problematic in the course of development as many relations amongst nations and ethnic or cultural groups within countries or regions are often at odds with each other over issues relating to power and rights.

Pluralism is an all-pervasive and enduring characteristic of almost all of 190 nations that make up the world community. However, ethnic, religious, social and other forms of group identification can trigger violent conflicts when mobilized and manipulated to do so. Hence "nation-building" that seeks to make all groups homogeneous - or by allowing one to dominate the others - is neither desirable nor feasible. A nation that believes in cultural diversity needs to create a sense of itself as a civic community, freed from any connotations of ethnic superiority. All its policy approaches should be grounded in this awareness. Thus, conflict caused by differing cultural, religious, political etc. groups is a common trend in our everyday global reality.

Another major question that you will perhaps ask yourself when researching this unit is that directly linked to cultural, religious and spiritual leadership. Why is it that leadership which was once attributed in most circles to cultural or spiritual figures has now been transcended by the leadership of business people and people linked to profiteering? How is it that the cultural spine of a society can be eroded to the point where it can no longer be self identified? This unit will provide you with the tools to decide whether or not your society has cultural leaders and leadership and whether or not culture, diversity and equity are issues that you think your society values.

A key component of the information here contained is the thorough analysis of the question of equity and to whom it is applied and why. Equity is directly related to human rights- when one speaks of equity one refers to the granting of equality to all citizens regardless s of faith, colour, ethnicity, language, status, sexual orientation, political affiliation or other. Equity represents a general understanding that humanity has a concern for fellow people based on their ability to contribute to the world as individuals and as members of the human race. Given this innate quality, that of being human, equity is something societies strive for in order to encourage their citizens to achieve their fullest potential and contribute to the development and furthering of their societies.

From a thematic perspective it is also crucial to recognize that in order to fully understand diversity and equity as important phenomena to human development, one must see humanity in terms of both its similarities and differences. Humans share innate traits which unify us at the most basic level. In this unit you will discover that things such as nurturing, mothering, the need for food and shelter, language, and the ability to learn and relate to one another are all traits that every person has. Although these traits are often overlooked it is based n these fundamental basics of human nature that the need for understanding the nuances of difference play a role. If we are all very much alike at our core than why is it that our differences cause pain and conflict? This unit will help you formulate you own answer to this important question.

You will also discover that there are specific concerns such as the protection of cultural rights of minorities and the need for a real global commitment to stamp out racism and xenophobia wherever they occur, and the prevention of politicization of religion and the concomitant rise of extremism that are necessary to analyse in order to understand the many issues surrounding diversity and equity.