It is an unfortunate reality that topics deserving serious and enriching consideration so often get a superficial treatment. As someone who specialized in race, class, and gender studies, I have to call a ‘spade a spade’ when it comes to the DEI dialogue. A tree without adequate roots is bound to perish in the storm, and when it comes to DEI initiatives the need is too acute for us to glide along without a solid foundation.
First, it is important to define each of the letters in DEI*.
Diversity refers to human variation filtered through socially constructed attributes such as race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexuality, and nationality. Human variation is clearly an inherent characteristic of human nature, but how we make sense of human variation is socially determined. And this process of social determination is mediated through structures of political and economic power.
Equity means fairness and justice in accessing resources, opportunities, social services, and legal rights. And it must be noted that fairness and justice are not ahistorical; true equity acknowledges past failures and the need to make up for these failures.
Inclusion refers to the provision of unimpeded access — and a sense of belonging — to social groups that have historically suffered exclusion, marginalization, and the indignity of misrepresentation.
The most important thing to understand about DEI initiatives is that they are a much-needed response to how organizational cultures tend to mold the work environment. If centering whiteness and maleness had any utility in the past, it is clear that this conventional model is failing to serve a more diverse workforce and constituent base. The opportunity ahead is to go deeper when it comes to DEI and reimagine what the work looks like. The goal is advancing understanding on how all will benefit from embracing principles and practices that ensure everyone can bring their best to their service.
Please stay tuned for more.
*José M. Causadias, et al.’s “Innovative Theory and Methods for the Next Generation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Sciences” was a helpful starting point for further defining DEI.