Managing Diversity -Recognising Diversity

What is diversity?

Diversity can be defined as anything that sets an individual apart from another. It has been described as "a reality created by individuals and groups from varying philosophical and demographic differences". It is important to protect and support diversity because, by valuing individuals, we foster a climate where equity and mutual respect are deeply felt. This creates a success-oriented, cooperative and caring community that draws on the intellectual strength of its people and produces innovative solutions through their cooperation.

What does "managing diversity" actually mean?

"Diversity" means more than simply acknowledging and accepting difference. Being able to manage diversity means that you:

- Understand and appreciate the interconnectedness of humanity.

- Actively practise and display genuine respect for experiences and qualities that differ from your own.

- Recognise that personal, cultural and institutionalised discrimination produces and sustains privilege for some, while producing and sustaining disadvantage for others.

- Build partnerships across differences so that we can work together to eliminate all forms of discriminatory practice.

Understanding cultural differences in South Africa

We live in a diverse South Africa with a multicultural society, so it is essential to understand other cultures. Being open to understanding cultural differences opens up new possibilities and experiences. As CDPs, we need to practise and enhance the skill of understanding and embracing other cultures. Here are a few ways to do that:

- Try to embrace cultural differences. Find things to appreciate in other cultures.

- Approach people from different backgrounds with curiosity and an eagerness to learn and understand.

- Become self-aware and challenge your own values and beliefs. When we become aware of our own biases, we can change the way we respond to differences.

- Investigate and research diverse groups and their cultures. Conduct your own research on traditions and cultures within South Africa, and how they have evolved over time.

- Watch documentaries on different cultures. These can be both educational and enlightening.

- Be more accepting. It is not always easy to understand why people hold certain practices, but recognising that everyone is entitled to express themselves as they see fit will help you accept difference.

- Remember that even culturally similar people are diverse. It is not fair to assume that people from the same culture all think alike — even within a shared culture there is a range of opinions and lifestyles. People are unique, so placing them into rigid categories will not work.

- Avoid stereotyping people. One of the biggest challenges people face is overcoming judgements based on personal opinion. As humans, we tend to assume that people will behave a certain way because they belong to a particular group.

- Appreciate everyone's uniqueness. Accepting that everyone is shaped by their own life experience makes it easier to embrace difference. Remember that two people might interpret the same event in very different ways.

A lack of awareness around diversity can create issues in the relationship between a practitioner and their client.

Common challenges practitioners may face

Lack of cultural awareness. A client may reflect attitudes or customs that form the norms of their culture, which could be unfamiliar territory for the practitioner. It is wise for the practitioner to find out more about the beliefs held within that cultural norm, ideally learning about them directly from the client. If the client wishes to consult a practitioner who is a closer cultural match to their own, the practitioner should respect that wish and support the client's learning journey.

Being accessible. Accessibility can create barriers between clients and practitioners. If a practitioner works in a building or space with stairs and no lift, this can prevent clients with physical challenges from reaching them. Practitioners should make the necessary adjustments to overcome barriers to accessibility.

It is worth noting how differently people can experience the concept of diversity. Many people have experienced some form of discrimination — actual or perceived — at some point in their lives. One helpful way to understand how diversity can affect a person is to consider someone who feels rejected or as though they do not fit into their family; holidays and special occasions can bring these feelings to the surface especially strongly, leaving people feeling like outsiders or unworthy of belonging.

In instances where CDPs lack the direct experience to fully empathise with a client, the skill of active listening becomes vital if the CDP is to demonstrate unconditional positive regard and achieve empathetic understanding. It is crucial to remember that every person has their own unique story, and only by accepting that story from the client's own perspective can a CDP truly appreciate and understand their experience of discrimination or diversity.

Conclusion

Diversity as a concept is clearly complex. CDPs need to be mindful of its many facets and make use of a range of skills, such as active listening. There are many ways to deepen your understanding of different cultures, such as watching documentaries, researching, and interacting with people from different backgrounds. Given the diversity within South Africa, strengthening your skills, knowledge and understanding of cultures and diversity issues is essential to becoming an effective CDP who can make a meaningful contribution to those in need.