Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

After reflecting on some of the definitions of culture and diversity that I have received or listened to this week, I have discovered that the order in which people describe these two realms varies considerably from one person to another. While some placed their gender and ethnicity first, others chose values and behaviors. Aspects of culture that were included in most of the definitions were language, values, race, nationality, and religion. Diversity was mainly outlined with respect to countries, religion, and language. 

In defining culture, I have noted that some aptly recognized the dynamics of culture and its “continuous process of change and negotiation” (Ngo, 2008, p.6). For example, Y. Dohaim stated that culture is:

A set of unspoken (or informal) norms, values, and behaviors that are established around us generation after generation, these represent who we are. This ranges from dress code, to language, to art and literature, and things we appreciate. Culture forms at various levels, from our individual homes, to our communities, workplace or country. In the same way that it is formed, it may change in time (Y. Dohaim, personal communication, May 23, 2013).

L. Vogt R. and Qiblawi acknowledged the complexity of culture and shared their perceptions:

A set of customs, beliefs, ways of thinking, talking, dressing, behaving and doing things shared among a group of people (L. Vogt, personal communication, May 23, 2013).

Culture is what defines us as individuals. It is a reflection of who we are, our habits, our values, our traditions, etc… (R. Qiblawi, May 24, 2013)

 

In identifying diversity, most of the definitions were related to the different cultures from which people descend. R.Qiblawi mentioned the emergence of new cultures that ensue from diverse environments:

For me, diversity is simply the different cultures that manage to coexist in the same place, whereby a new culture might arise due to this mix (R. Qiblawi, personal communication, May 24, 2013).

Y. Dohaim defined it as follows:

When people from different cultures get to work (or live) in a community they bring their set or norms and values with them and hence form diversity in the community. In the workplace, this is typically when we have people coming from different parts of the country or world. Depending on how strong the hosting community culture is, over time, diversity becomes a norm or the new norm and people get to accept and live by it. In some case, conflicts may spark in the process (Y. Dohaim, personal communication, May 23, 2013).

L. Vogt provided a broader description, in which she included most aspects of culture that we have studied this week. She did not fail to mention ability, which is often overlooked by many. She delineated diversity as being

A broad, uncontrolled and unexpected mix of people in terms of race, nationality, religion, ethnicity, gender, physical and mental ability, age, socio-economic background, education level, political affiliation, marital status, age. The "mix" ratios can/should be adjusted/defined further based on the need of diversity ( i.e. the ideal mix of diversity aspects for establishing a department of university teachers at a female university in Saudi is different than when employing staff for a garment factory in Bangladesh or a car manufacture in the USA) (L. Vogt, May 23, 2013)

The exercise this week has added a new insight that I believe will greatly benefit me as an educator. The way people perceive themselves varies from one person to another. This has prompted me to think about my students in the classroom and how their ideas about their own culture and sense of self are being constructed every day. Recognizing that I play a big role in influencing this process has further emphasized the great responsibility I have. Being culturally responsive extends beyond the superficial aspects of culture such as celebrations and costumes, to include values and beliefs of which I need to be mindful whilst interacting with children and their families.

Reference

Ngo, B. (2008). Beyond "culture clash": Understanding of immigrant experiences. Theory into Practice, 47(1), 4–11. Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Education Research Complete database.