Unseen Barriers: How Diversity Efforts Might Be Missing the Mark
Diversity is a hot topic, but not everyone means the same thing when they talk about it. In the U.S., while some push to end diversity programs, others fight to keep them alive. The confusion lies in the different ways people define diversity, why they think it matters, and how they believe it should be promoted.
The Mix-Up
People often mix up these different aspects of diversity. They might talk about who is included without considering why it's important or how to achieve it. This mix-up can lead to efforts that don't truly address the issues they aim to solve.
A New Approach
A new approach suggests that diversity discussions should acknowledge societal hierarchies. This means recognizing that not all groups have the same level of power or privilege. By doing this, diversity efforts can be more effective and fair.
The Problem Within
Interestingly, some diversity efforts might actually be part of the problem. For example, when people focus too much on business benefits or equality, they might overlook the real issues. This can lead to a situation where people say they support diversity but their actions don't match their words.
The Solution
In short, to make diversity efforts work, people need to be clear about:
- Who they're including
- Why it matters
- How to make a real difference
Only then can they avoid the trap of saying one thing and doing another.