Diversity (politics)

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In sociology and political studies, the term diversity (or diverse) is used to describe political entities (neighborhoods, student bodies, etc.) with members who have identifiable differences in their cultural backgrounds or lifestyles.

The term describes differences in racial or ethnic classifications, age, gender, religion, philosophy, physical abilities, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, gender identity, intelligence, mental health, physical health, genetic attributes, behavior, attractiveness, or other identifying features.

In measuring human diversity, a diversity index measures the probability that any two residents, chosen at random, would be of different ethnicities. If all residents are of the same ethnic group it's zero. The diversity index does not take into account the willingness of individuals to cooperate with those of other ethnicities. If half are from one group and half from another it's .50.[1]

International human rights law[edit]

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities affirms to "respect difference and acceptance persons with disabilities as human diversity and humanity" for protection of human rights of persons with disabilities.[2]


Main articles: New Left and Multiculturalism


Use in American academia[edit]


See also[edit]