What is Diversity?

Abstract

Diversity is “any dimension or state in which it is possible to differentiate groups and people from one another.” It is a concept strongly tied to the notion that organisms and ideas in this world, whether in the ecological, biological, or cultural realms, possess inherently different traits. Since the 20th century, people have only viewed “diversity” in an increasingly multilateral way, as it appears in a wide variety of subjects, such as biology, history, sociology, and even linguistics. It has emerged as a major cultural value of modernity. This essay will break down some defining facets of diversity, evaluate the justification for promoting diversity as a goal in all contexts, and argue for the importance of preserving diversity.