Good to know about diversity

Dimensions of Diversity

In the context of diversity, there is often talk of different dimensions of diversity. These include, for example, ethnic background and nationality, social background, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical and mental abilities, religion and worldview. With the ‘Four Layers of Diversity’, Lee Gardenswartz and Anita Rowe have attempted to systematise the different dimensions of diversity. An adaptation of their model of diversity dimensions can be found on the Diversity Charter website. The model illustrates how numerous and multifaceted the dimensions of diversity are.

Unconscious Bias

Cognitive psychology points out that people are prone to certain cognitive distortions when perceiving, remembering, thinking and making judgements, most of which occur unconsciously. These unconscious biases can mean that, despite our good intentions, we are not always neutral in our judgements of people. The Cognitive Bias Codex illustrates this in a graphic..

Language and terminology in the field of immigration society

It is not always easy to find the right words. Words can describe something appropriately and express respect through the use of self-designations. However, words can also make attributions, devalue and reproduce traumatisation. There is often no singular, universally accepted term. The choice of a term depends on the context in which it is used. The Neue Deutsche Medienmacher*innen (NDM) have compiled a detailed German glossary with formulation aids, explanations, alternative terms and background information on the topic of immigration society. 

Intercultural calendar

When planning events, you can use an intercultural calendar to check whether the planned date clashes with important public holidays. It is also a sign of diversity-sensitive cooperation in working groups and teams if there is a basic knowledge of the most important holidays of different religions as well as other international and national holidays and memorial days. The intercultural calendar of the Berlin Senate Commissioner for Integration and Migration provides a good overview.