Diversity in Mind and in Action

Book excerpt: The editor of the award-winning, four-volume Praeger set The Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination brings her team back together to take a comprehensive look at the flip side of the issue—diversity. The importance of understanding, supporting, and acting to encourage cultural diversity across social, psychological, political, legal, career, and educational avenues is addressed in this one-stop source for the latest research, developments, and updates. Social privilege for certain groups, the oppression of others, and methods to teach diversity necessary for our future are all addressed. Contributors, from psychologists to educators to social workers, also take a close look at programs spurring success in diversity in the United States and globally. This dynamic, revealing work demonstrates that we must expand—and are expanding—our definition of diversity to include, not only race and ethnicity, but also sexual orientation, religion, and disability. The challenge for those who want a society that honors all is to establish equity for all. While full victory in that challenge has been slow to come, Diversity in Mind and in Action makes it clear that there are success stories to be shared—and new avenues to be spotlighted.