RACE AND DIVERSITY

Race and Diversity

Race and Diversity

Introduction

The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences.  These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies.  It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual.

Diversity awareness works to create an environment that recognizes values and utilizes the unique skills and abilities of everyone. The goal of diversity awareness is to create an inclusive, respectful and equitable work environment and community (Eichar,1989).

Racial/ethnic Diversity in the United States

Individuals of ethnic and racial minority and/or with a biracial/multiethnic/multiracial heritage represent an increasingly large percentage of the population in the United States. While these demographic trends have been discussed since the previous census of 1990, educational institutions, employers, government agencies, and professional and accrediting bodies are now beginning to engage in systematic efforts to become more knowledgeable, proficient, and multiculturally responsive. Census 2000 data clarify the changes in U.S. diversity. Overall, about 67% of the population identify as White. Of the remaining 33%, approximately 13% indicated they were African American, 1.5% American Indian or Alaskan Native, 4.5% Asian/Pacific Islander, 13% Hispanic, and about 7% indicated some other race.

Diversity increased in all states in the country, and in parts of some states increased as much as 34%. In addition, for the first time, Census 2000 allowed individuals to check more than one racial/ethnic affiliation (Eichar,1989). While only 2.4% of the U.S. populations checked more than one racial affiliation, 42% of those who checked two or more races were under 18, indicating an increase in the birthrate of biracial individuals. Certainly, the United States is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse, increasing the urgency for culturally responsive practices and services (Eichar,1989).

Ethnic, racial, and multiracial diversity in the population is reflected in higher education. This is important to psychologists because it reflects changes in the ethnic composition of students we teach and train.Data for Hispanics were first collected in 1974; data for Asian/Pacific Islanders were not collected until the mid-90. Clearly these data indicate that racial/ethnic minority students are graduating at a lower rate than White students, but the data also show that they are making educational gains. Thus, racial/ethnic minority students, either because of personal or because of environmental reasons. The population of the United States is racially/ethnically diverse, and those students, research participants, clients and the workforce will be increasingly likely to come from racially/ethnically diverse cultures. Moreover, educators, trainers of psychologists, psychological researchers, providers of service, and those psychologists implementing organizational change are encouraged to gain skills to work effectively with individuals and groups of varying cultural backgrounds (Gilbert,1998). We base our premise on psychologists' ethical principles to be competent to work with a variety of populations, to respect others' ...