Diversity

What is the difference between diversity and inclusion?

The quick answer is that diversity is difference, and inclusion is welcoming this difference.

The quotable answer is that diversity is being invited to the disco and inclusion is being asked to dance.

The philosophical answer is diversity is something you have and inclusion is something you do or diversity is more of a fact, inclusion is more of a feeling.

The scientific answer is that diversity is the difference and inclusion is getting the best out of that difference.

It is possible to have a diverse company where people do not feel included - and it is also possible to have an inclusive company, which is not very diverse.   At Barming we try to be inclusive and diverse.

Does Diversity Just Mean Someone Looks Different? 

The range of diversity is enormous and includes all differences, the most common being differences such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, age, social status, physical ability or attributes, religious or ethical values system, national origin, and political beliefs.

Diversity often focuses on the differences between people. Inclusion is the act of welcoming and encouraging those differences.

Diversity is not just about visible differences, in fact, all the ways people can differ, extends way beyond visible differences.

The iceberg image below is used to describe diversity.   In diagrams like this, the water line represents all the differences we can usually see - or ‘visible diversity’.   Everything below the iceberg is usually invisible diversity. 

Even though all the diversity below the waterline is invisible diversity, it is still diversity.   People can differ hugely in their political beliefs, thinking style, personality, character and life experiences - these differences can become more noticeable the more you get to know someone, or they may remain hidden.

The ‘Inclusion’ in diversity and inclusion focuses on creating an environment where all different kinds of people feel like they belong, have fair (equitable) access to opportunities, and can thrive and succeed.

At Barming Primary School we strive to be as diverse and as inclusive as we possibly can - working with families to achieve this.