Diversity and Child Development in Education
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Diversity is a term taken to mean varied or of a wide difference from the derivative diverse. It is experienced in different aspects ranging from political, social, economic, cultural and technological spectrums. Diversity requires much understanding and tolerance of the multiple differences from every potential encounter.
Children may encounter diversity in social, cultural, moral, ethnic, disability, impairment and educational environment. The environment they are subjected to enables them to learn a range of new things and build on social harmony. Diversity enables them to improve their social relations from an attitude of tolerance eliminating stereotyping; discrimination, stigmatization and social seclusion of others based on the differences and develop skills to solve the differences whenever they arise without coercion and aggression (Barbara & Oscar, 2011).
In child development programs, promoting social acceptance and respect to diversity is critical. Children should learn openness and sympathy to other people beliefs and practices even if they conflict theirs according to (Barbara & Oscar, 2011). “Moral relativism and commitment to rights of individuals and groups should be different even if the differences cause personal discomfort is necessary” (Barbara & Oscar, 2011). Children should develop the perception of benefits in people’s differences as a thing that make life interesting rather than perceiving them as threats.
There should be positive evaluation of people’s differences and focus on them as a source of riches and benefits rather than perceiving them as a source of conflict, threat or an obstacle. Therefore, the differences should not only be accepted but also fully embraced because of its intrinsic value. “Embracing diversity opens children up to people, experiences and approaches to life that they may never have conceived” (Barbara & Oscar, 2011).