Social Diversity
Social diversity encompasses various characteristics in societies, but prejudices often arise when individuals are grouped into categories, leading to inequality and division. Intersectionality highlights how multiple social identities intersect, shaping experiences of privilege and oppression, while efforts to challenge harmful masculinities and promote gender equality are crucial for addressing violence against women and fostering a more inclusive society.
Social diversity refers to different characteristics seen in a particular society with respect to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, socioeconomic status, physical ability, level of education, occupation, nationality and immigration status, place of residence, language, cultural background, and so on.
People in diverse societies tolerate differences by generalising individuals into groups, which creates a culture of prejudice and discrimination. In such cases, social diversity becomes negative and this results into social differences (distinctions and discriminations that occur between or even within different social groups), inequality (unequal opportunities and rewards for different social positions) and division (segregation among the members of a society that are based on inborn or artificially crafted differences) (Shannon 2018).
Social diversity should be considered normal and healthy because human societies are composed of individuals with unique characteristics, backgrounds, experiences, and identities. It is important to recognize the potential of social diversity to enrich societies and promote social justice, equality, and inclusion. Social inclusion aims to create a society for all, a society in which no one is left behind and no one is invisible, a society that guarantees human rights and promotes justice for all, increasing the quality of life of citizens and improving individual well-being (Abbott, Wallace & Sapsford, 2017).