7-1 Project: Project Submission
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6-2 Activity: Reflection: Society
Jacob Wright
Southern New Hampshire University
IDS-400: Diversity
Professor Boyd
17 February 2024
Reflection – Society
The lens of critical analysis has helped my understanding of workplace diversity more than ever. Consequently, I have realized that the issue goes way beyond what we have been taught in high school and the problems it portrays are complex. Investing in historical narratives, lawful and normative aspects, and socio-cultural contexts has helped gain insight into the issues faced by these groups in attaining equal workplace opportunities. Lastly, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 brought up the difficulties that Blacks experienced in getting equal opportunities to people of other races in the workplace. However, the subject could also be studied from a general education point of view through another application such as Ethics or Economics which would have given different perceptions. For instance, an economic perspective would focus on the different financial gains of having diverse people in a workplace, whereas an ethical standpoint would stress the moral reasons why we must use inclusive practices.
Deeply examining diversity not only increases my viewpoint of social problems but also broadens my perception of mankind. By becoming knowledgeable about different views and backgrounds, I will gain deeper insight into what makes people unique and as a result, I will be more tolerant in my interpersonal interactions. Say, for instance, realizing that the structural injustice forms workplace diversity gives me the ability to connect with the employees who are members of marginalized groups more deliberately and encouragingly. This consciousness acts as the vehicle for productive communication and working across diverse teams, thus in the end, inclusive and innovative outcomes will be achieved. The diversity we cover in this course has changed my attitude towards diversity in society. Through exploration of the dimensions of prejudice, intersectionality, culture, and identity, I had an opportunity to admire the diverse nature of diversity and the inequalities that it creates. Learning about how these factors weave through people's lives and affect them has made me more aware of my own privilege and power relationships, which have actioned me to challenge the status quo and call out discrimination; thus, I advocate for inclusiveness.
Additionally, building up my critical thinking ability has enabled me to take a close look at the current system and identify areas for improvement, an approach that helps to guide the whole team towards the advancement of diversity and equity at the workplace and in society at large. I can attest to the personal growth I have undergone through critical analysis, which has taught me not only to recognize but also to overcome my prejudices and wrong beliefs, leading to a more open and considerate approach in my dealings with others. Constantly inquiring and challenging my point of view, I aim to build communal spaces where people’s ideas matter and they are treated as valued. Also, the course has underpinned the relationship between diversity dynamics and other social issues including education, health, and justice therefore evoking me to understand how the systemic inequalities differ and grow across different sectors. Finally, this kind of overall treatment of diversity forces me to fight for the process of significant change and to develop conditions that can guarantee the thriving of everybody without taking into consideration his background and identity (Roberson, 2019). Overall, the class has enabled me to develop a problem-solving attitude, perceptiveness, loyalty, and readiness for positive change in the most controversial diversity-related issues.
References
Roberson, Q. M. (2019). Diversity in the workplace: A review, synthesis, and future research agenda. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 6, 69-88.