Definition of Diversity

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 has a wide range of benefits for an organization, institution and the entire
society. Diversity brings richness to our cultures, economies and societies and
teaches us how to relate and co-exist with people who are different from ourselves.

Diverse society encompasses different cultures, races and ethnicities. A diverse

society brings with it certain advantages such as: different foods, drinks, music,
literature, art, festivals, dress, language, customs, social relationships, religions and
ideas which enhance its survival.

Perspective
 People from different backgrounds, cultures and work methods have diverse ways
of looking at the world. They see different perspectives and may understand
customers from different backgrounds. Although members of diverse groups can
become frustrated because they do see things differently than other group
members, having different perspectives on a problem often means the group will
anticipate more ramifications of their decisions and address the needs of more
stakeholders in their solutions. According to research by Margaret Neale and other
professors of organizational behavior, when team members see that a group they
are in has a diverse population, they expect differences of perspective and opinion
and are ready to work with those different ideas. Ideally, this leads to better
solutions.
 Religious diversity can bring about war and further physical division in a society.
But, it also can allow us to learn tolerance and respect for other religions.
Cultural diversity is a product of the vast range of human experiences and
achievements. It is a broad concept based on the connections between people
through shared history, tradition and language. Our diversity is also a reflection of
our values such as freedom of expression, pluralism of ideas, effective
participation of people, and choice. Fostering cultural policies in a global
environment to support cultural diversity includes: Ensuring that all cultures have
the means to express their voices and opinions in a changing world.

co·ex·ist
intransitive verb \ˌkō-ig-ˈzist\
: to exist together or at the same time
: to live in peace with each other

Full Definition of COEXIST

1
: to exist together or at the same time
2
: to live in peace with each other especially as a matter of policy
— co·ex·is·tence noun
— co·ex·is·tent adjective

Synonyms

Accompany, attend, coincide, concur, co-occur, and synchronize

Related Words

Chance, hap, happen, transpire

Near Antonyms

Antedate, precede, predate; follow, succeed

Rhymes with COEXIST

Catechist, dadaist, exorcist, intertwist, preexist