In: Accounting
Diversity is a relational concept. It shows up in the composition of teams and organizations, and it is measured based on a collective whole. In this way, diversity refers to “difference” within a given setting. So while a person is not “diverse,” they may bring a diverse range of experiences. From appearance to thought, likes or dislikes, and identity. Diversity of identity may relate to socialized and visible race, gender identity, religion, nationality, body shape or size, age, or sexual orientation, to name a few.
To sum it up, people aren’t “diverse,” we’re individuals. Referring to people as “diverse,” “others” those in non-dominant or historically less privileged groups. Instead, diversity is relational. It’s about the differences between people within your teams, company, and ecosystem.
For example, If we say someone who is racialized or has dark-skin is “diverse,” we implicitly imply that a person with white or light-skin is the most normal or accepted in the workplace. In doing so, we may uphold racist ideologies and forms of white supremacy. When we refer to a person as “diverse,” we reinforce dominant identities as “normal” or “accepted,” and we implicitly position other non-dominant identities as abnormal or insignificant.