Diversity: A Sociological Perspective

Abstract

To understand the need for diversity and its role in efforts to increase equity, one must first have a sociological framework for understanding how power functions in our society. As sociologists, we push ourselves to make connections between the individual and their society at large. Through sociological inquiry, we are better able to examine the varying levels of meaning embedded within social interaction that are often invisible to the lay-person. By examining ideologies, or systems of belief, we can cut through our surface-level assumptions to explore how they really impact our social reality and everyday lives. We are also more able to see the world from others’ perspectives. This helps us understand not only the viewpoints of populations who have been silenced or ignored in our society, but also those of dominant groups.