Diversity and inclusion are sometimes used in each other’s stead but there is a clear difference between these two concepts. Diversity is about the various differences and inclusion on the other hand is about making some sense out of the diversity thus making the differences work together for a common purpose and goal. In this article, we will be exploring the various differences between the concept of diversity and the concept of inclusion and how their differences helps to make the society function at its peak.
Diversity has to do with the recognition and understanding
of the differences and uniqueness in people whiles inclusion also has to do
with making these differences feel at home and cherished. The society is a
group of people with a common goal and the society is like the human body; the
head, the neck, the hands, legs and other parts all play a major function in
making the whole body function properly. There is no way the hand would say
that the leg is not the same as it is and so it would not collaborate when the
leg is performing its functions especially during a run. The various parts of
the body recognize each other’s uniqueness and differences yet they all work
together to get the body at a certain level of satisfaction and that is the
concept of inclusion. The same way in the society, there are people who are
being recognized with their unique differences thus diversity but when these
differences are overlooked and they are involved and made comfortable in their
various endeavors in the society, then the concept of inclusion is said to have
taken place.
Diversity’s focus is mainly on the cultural and demographic differences. Cultural differences in the sense that, there are diverse cultures
in the society. Society here can be a country, a nation or even a whole
continent. Within the African continent, there are diverse cultures despite
everyone in the African continent being an African and these diverse cultures
define them of who they are. There are various ethnic groups with different
languages and practices which makes up the concept of diversity thus the
differences. When these differences spotted does not guarantee stereotyping or
ethnicity bias, and everyone is accepted with their unique cultures and
demographics such as age, marital status, etc., then inclusion has prevailed in
such situations.
Diversity could be the “what” in the society whiles
inclusion could be the “how” in the society. What makes each and every one
different and how do we make these differences work? Diversity is about
identifying the what’s that exists in the society and inclusion is about how to
make the what’s feel accepted and welcomed in the society.
Diversity can also be described with the metaphor “having
seat at the table” and inclusion on the other hand can also be described with
the metaphor “having a voice at the table”. Once the differences are spotted
and recognized in the society, that is an initial step of putting such people
at the table without any contributions but giving them the voice thus involving
them and allowing them to express themselves in the society means they have
been included. It is just being recognized as a group member in a group studies
yet you are not given the chance to express yourself but when there is the
chance for self-expression and contributions, then inclusion is said to have
taken place.
Diversity is also the state of being different or varied
whiles inclusion is also the state of being valued and respected. We can
realize the various differences are connected to each other. There are various
varieties in the society and these varieties is the diversity but when these
varieties are respected and valued like any other differences, then inclusion
is said to have taken place. Diversity is all about the differences and
inclusion is all about valuing and respecting the differences in the society.
In Africa for instance, it seems every country in Africa has
a different culture and that fact does not erase the fact that, the 54
countries in Africa are all Africans despite the differences. Different people
are in the same territory and diversity is said to be operating at such
instance and these different people coming together with their ideologies,
contributions and efforts means inclusion is taking place. Once everyone is
involved in the African society, every country would try its best to contribute
ideas and opinions to help build the continent and that is all about inclusion.
It is therefore unwise to spot the differences in the
society and use these differences against each other but in the better sense,
everyone should feel at home in the society despite the various differences and
that is a key factor in society development.
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