Arguably, social psychology refers to a scientific study of how individuals in society influence, think about, as well as relate to each other. The subject covers various topics such as discrimination, social diversity, multiculturalism, social influence, aggression, culture, interpersonal relations, as well as social identity just to mention some. In fact, social psychologist elaborate human behavior as a result of instant social situations, and interaction of individuals mental state. In understanding human social behavior, social psychologists analyzes social interaction, social perception, and social influences. In the 21st century, there is a variation in all aspects of human life. Social diversity surrounds different factors in the society, for example, disabilities, age, race, culture, as well as religion (Crisp, 2011).
Certainly, social diversity based on three principal realities of human life. It assumes that individual are always unique, societies and individuals are inter-dependent and interrelated, and finally cultures and societies are dynamic. Social diversity is a combination of different types of people in society, each with his/her behaviors, character, and social aspect of life. It describes the individuality and uniqueness of the society. Social diversity in organization, workplace, and nations has become a centre of debate (Goodman, 2001). Social systems in the world have undergone various stages in recognizing and embracing diversity. It entails educational, personality, ethnic, racial, and cultural diversities. Certainly, social diversity ion all social system comprises all aspects of humanity that leads to various problem-solving approaches.
In social diversity, subordinate groups are easily distinguished by various physical qualities such as language, and skin color. These qualities can be most dire differences in setting individuals apart into various minority groups. Certainly, high indicator of minority groups is friendships and marriage (Crisp, 2011). For example, in United States, Asians are most likely to marry within their ethnic groups, rather than intermingling with other nationalities. Minority groups in society is the exact opposite of the dominant groups. In reality, dominant groups control the all society, where they exercise power, have more authority, as well as enjoying privileges.
The different groups in society are formed due to prejudice, ideological inclinations, and beliefs. Up to date, racism is the most powerful factor that develop prejudged behaviors towards other individuals from different racial status. Certainly, adults and children in society have the right to develop and evolve in a perspective where there is respect and equity for social diversity. Accepting social diversity develops at childhood, and then it translates later into adulthood. (Goodman, 2001). Children learn to overt all sorts of discrimination based on sex, language, political affiliation, ethnic groups, color, race, as well as the less fortunate. In the world, today there are various indicators of diversity among people. The indicators act as a measure of how diverse a society is. This includes recruitment, social change, employment patterns, equal opportunities affirmative actions, as well as personal management.
Social diversity is beneficial to societies and other sectors of socialization. Despite the fact, that individuals are interdependent in society, respecting individuals diversity in the community increases the productivity in society. When from diverse groups and backgrounds come together it reduces lawsuits, and leads to an increment of opportunities, creativity, innovativeness, and creativity. In the 21st century, creativity and flexibility are key factors to competitiveness; hence, social diversity is crucial in achieving (Mackie & Smith, 2000).
Nowadays, social diversity has led to an increase in communication between individuals from diverse origin. In fact, in some situations people from diverse cultures interact and become productive. In the education field, students from diverse originality can socialize and mingle together. Social diversity improves intergroup communication, especially on diverse issues related to sex, language, race, as well as color. It has been proved that workplace withy highest levels of diversity are extremely successful.
Perhaps, some communities in society do not enjoy advantages of social diversity. This is because there are many barriers to achieving a high level of social diversity. Communication is the one of the barriers in achieving sustainable social diversity. As corporations and global initiatives expands, the communication links become linguistically diverse. Hence, people find themselves in a difficult situation in interacting with people of different language. Another barrier is cultural practices; the uniqueness in culture may shy other off, making it difficult to interact and embrace diversity. Implicit prejudice, as well as stereotype thinking, impacts the development of social diversity negatively. Individuals in society need to be appreciated regardless of their diversity, but when people get negative feedbacks, it minimizes social diversity (Mor-Barak, 2005).
Social diversity initiates positive attitudes and effects on both the majority and minority people in society. This is because it improves relationship between the minority and the majority groups, leading to total involvement in development, as well as increasing the degree of satisfaction (Mackie & Smith, 2000). Places where minority and majority group issues include colleges, markets, and other socialization avenues. Social diversity can be a solution to conflict in society. When people accept their variation in the society, conflicts will at rare cases arise.
Psychologically, social diversity promotes cognitive development as well as initiating diversity. Undoubtedly, social diversity improves retention and access to resources in society; hence, those who are less fortunate benefit the same way as those who are branded lucky. In fact, diversity reduces discrimination in a society based on their diversity (Crisp, 2011).
Managing social diversity is highly crucial in the world today. There are various approaches use to manage diversity, it includes equal opportunity approach and managing diversity approach (Mor-Barak, 2005). In order to manage social diversity, it is advisable to understand the available opportunities and share equally. Thereafter, share opportunities equally among the dominant and the minority groups. According to managing diversity approaches, social diversity can be managed by dissolving problems when it arises, valuing differences, utilizing differences, and accommodating differences.
Despite the acceptance of diversity, research shows that minority groups, gay, disabled, and lesbian still feel marginalized due to unresponsive environment on their needs. Therefore, social diversity makes them not to participate in most society activities. Regardless of the social problems in the world today, it is obvious that social diversity is the crucial driver to growth, development, as well as making the world a better place (Goodman, 2001).
Scholars in social psychology assert that societies with minimum diversity are rarely educationally, industrially, and economically developed. For example, America is among the most socially diverse nation, this is the reason why they are in a continuous process in developing. Generally, the importance of social behavior, which entails free exchange of information benefits both individual and society. Due to globalization and information technology, people should learn and accept diversity. People should appreciate others regardless of their race, financial status, color, sex, as well as age. In order to achieve social, economic, and political development, social diversity should drive human life.
References
Crisp, R. (2011). The Psychology of social and Cultural Diversity. New York: Wiley.
Goodman, D. (2001). Promoting Diversity and Social Justice. London: Wadsworth.
Mackie, D & Smith, E. (2000). Social Psychology. New Jersey. Springer.
Mor-Barak, M. (2005). Managing Diversity: Toward a Globally Inclusive Workplace. New
York: John Wiley & Sons.
