Change, Challenge, and Prospects for a Diversity Paradigm in Social Psychology

In: Social issues and policy review: SIPR, Band 12, Heft 1, S. 7-56

Abstract

AbstractIn the current work, we discuss how moving beyond the traditional emphasis in social psychology on differences in group memberships to diversity has both theoretical and practical benefits for the field and for policy. Specifically, we introduce a diversity paradigm that builds upon and complements traditional approaches to the study of prejudice and social identity by (1) incorporating multiple levels of analysis; (2) studying a range of different mechanisms that account for the separate and joint influences of factors operating at societal, group, and individuals levels; (3) including relations among multiple groups and recognizing the diversity that exists within diversity; and (4) examining both the potential benefits as well as the challenges of diversity. A diversity paradigm is important and timely because of rapidly changing technologies and shifts in demographics that increase encounters among members of diverse groups. We discuss several of the pressing questions and point to possible answers based on diversity principles and research. Questions such as "Why is accomplishing diversity objectives so challenging/difficult?"; "How is a focus on diversity different from a focus on prejudice and stereotyping?"; "Why is it important to have, promote and value diversity?"; and "What does/should approaches to diversity encompass?" In the final section, we identify possible paths forward in conceptualizing the paradigm and apply the work to the diversity challenges that lie ahead.