NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Equality and Diversity

Unit 1: Exploring Equality and Diversity

Session 1: Living in a diverse world Similar and different The word diverse means different and varied. In any town or village in the UK, you will find that people are different and varied in lots of ways. Some of the categories include: Gender This refers to a persons behavioural characteristics associated with being male or female. Ethnic group This term refers to the group with which you share a common cultural identity (the country you come from, physical appearance, language, attitudes and values). Age This refers to the number of years a person has lived. Culture / subculture A shared cluster of beliefs, likes, dislikes and behaviours that define a particular social group. Religion A persons system of faith and worship. Class This term refers to the socio-economic group that a person belongs to. Personal qualities There are so many variations between people that we end up with diverse individuals, groups and communities. Each person has a unique set of qualities that makes them different from all other people AND they have certain qualities that are similar to other people.

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Example: Hannah Catherine (Hannahs mother) 41 Primary school teacher Female Amateur dramatics The One Show Derek (Hannahs father) 43 Motor mechanic Jon (Hannahs brother) 10 Pupil at a primary school Male Playing with friends Football

Age Daytime activity

17 6th former

Gender Favourite hobby Favourite TV programme

Female Clubbing / Indie music Eastenders

Male Amateur dramatics Eastenders

In this example, you can see a very simple comparison of Hannah and her family. You should be able to see that she has similarities and differences with these people. So, even in a small family group, there can be some genuine diversity. The value of diversity If there is noticeable diversity in a small family, it should not come as a surprise that in any community, town or society the potential for many diverse characteristics is massive. In the UK, there are many different groups that contribute to diversity for example:

People who have originated from many different countries. People from different ethnic backgrounds. People of different genders and with different sexual preferences. People with different values and beliefs. People with different interests. People from different economic backgrounds.

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All of this diversity brings many benefits for example:

It can give people a wide range of experiences and opportunities. The diversity brings new and different products and services. There is also scope for a wider variety of friendships and relationships. On many occasions, diverse qualities come together and create something new. For example, the combination of different cooking styles, different language patterns and different musical forms can lead to something exciting and fresh.

As people appreciate the diversity of their society and community, it is possible to have respect for a greater variety of people. This means that with greater diversity comes the opportunity for tolerance to develop. Some people may choose to dislike or distrust those who are different. However, it is possible for tolerance to emerge and for there to be greater understanding of differences rather than irrational fears and objections. Respecting differences When you look at the many different qualities that can be found in a diverse society, you can see that for any one person, some of these qualities will apply to him/her, while other qualities will not. This makes it possible for a person to look at the qualities of another person and see whether there is a match or a mismatch. It makes it possible for a person to see whether others are like them or not like them. When there are similarities, it is usually easy to accept those qualities in other people. If they like the same things as you, it is easier to be accepting. However, in a diverse society or community, there may be times when there is a difference. The way people respond to differences can be very important. If a difference causes one or both parties to behave unpleasantly or illegally, then there is a problem. For example, a person may be insulted, bullied or harmed because of things such as their race, gender or sexual orientation. The aim should be to always respect peoples differences by recognising that another person is different and has a right to be different. This does not mean that you must agree with their choices and preferences but, by taking a tolerant approach, people are better able to live their lives peacefully. By tolerating others, you create an environment where others are also encouraged to accept you for what you are.

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