The term diversity is a form of euphemistic shorthand to describe 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, and place of origin, cultural values, or political view as well as other identifying features.
The arts.
one benefit of living in a socially diverse society is the easy access we a;; have to a range of different traditions and art forms from around the world/ museums and galleries now feature displays and exhibitions that reflect the heritage and beliefs of many different societies. Theatre often offers the opportunity to gain insight into other cultures and, in some cases, languages.
The arts can prove helpful to the work of a health and social care professional as they can provide some insight into the cultures and beliefs of other societies. They can help you to understand the needs and wants of people from backgrounds other than your own.
An example of this would be that many cinemas now offer films originating in other countries
Food.
Another benefit of living in a diverse, multicultural society is the wide variety of foods that are available.
This should be taken into consideration by health and social care workers as they plan diets for individuals. It’s important to recognise that many people enjoy foods that are flavoured with spices, herbs and fruits. Expecting people to eat traditional British food is probably outdated, although it should be remembered that many people may prefer simple foods that are prepared without the use of spices and ‘exotic vegetables. Our food choices are developed from an early age and for some people experimentation is a way of life.
Education.
Equality and diversity are high on the agenda for all educational institutions, whether they are the funders or providers of education. Our education systems focus on every individual, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to succeed no matter what their background. Our education system has benefitted from cultural diversity in many different ways. For example the subjects studied in schools and colleges now include the cultures and religions of a wide range of modern foreign languages.
Language.
The English language is already formed from a complete mix of other languages; new groups of settlers into the country are also bringing elements of their language with them. These new words are slowly being assimilated into everyday speech. For example Eid and Diwali are two celebrations that most people will have heard of and understand at some level.
Cultural enrichment.
It should be fairly obvious by now that, if all the benefits we have already explored are available and accessed by everyone, we will be culturally enriched.
Tolerance.
Tolerance doesn’t just mean putting up with something or someone. It has a much wider meaning and it is important to recognise this. In society and in the workplace we doo not have to be friends with everyone but we do have to behave at all times in a professional and caring manner, towards both our service users and our colleagues. While we may not share or hold similar beliefs and traditions, we should at the very least understand the concepts attached to another person’s beliefs and respect their right to hold that belief or follow that tradition as long as it does not harm anyone else.
Social cohesion.
‘Cohesion’ means sticking together. Social cohesion is a difficult concept but can perhaps be explained by the use of the word ‘community’ instead of ‘social’. A cohesive community is one where there is a common sense of ‘belonging’ for all the individuals and communities living in one place. For people to feel that they belong, there is a need for everyone’s circumstances and background to be valued and respected/ alongside this lies a need for positive relationships’ between people from different background in all the social and economic places in which they meet. For example, schools, workplaces and neighbourhoods.
Employment.
When an individual is entrepreneurial and perhaps use their skills and knowledge to start a new business, opportunities for employment are created there are many examples of alternative therapies which have come from other cultures. For example acupuncture and massage therapists are now employed in the hospice movement to bring relief to, and manage the stress of, many of the service users being treated there. Clearly over the time new therapies are offering employment and educational opportunities within the health and social care sector for the local population.
Expertise.
The example of doctors and nurses originating from other countries highlights how diversity enriches our health services with new levels of expertise and knowledge. There is a wide range of medical advancements that have originated abroad. And are now being used to improve medication and treatment services in the UK. A lot of research into medical conditions and social care facilities comes from other countries.
