Understanding Diversity: A Learning-as-Practice Primer

This volume looks at the subject of teaching diversity. Instead of looking at the boundaries that separate different cultures, the text uses the approach from the inside out. In other words, learning about one's own ingrained assumptions will eventually lead to an appreciation of others' value and beliefs. This primer provides a learning-in-practice model where students, through the use of exercises, strategies and conceptual material, first recognize and develop their own communication styles and then work on how they interact with others.

Table of Contents:
1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND. Stereotyping. Race and Ethnicity. Definitions of Culture. Worldviews. Holographic Selves. Conclusion. References. PART I. 2. SELF AND VERBAL INTERACTIONS. Self As a Verbal Communicator. Verbal Interactions in Small, Intimate Groups. Verbal Interactions in Small, Non-Intimate Groups. Sample Observation Sheet. Verbal Interactions in Large Groups. Conclusion. References. 3. SELF AND NONVERBAL INTERACTIONS. Self As Nonverbal Communicator. Nonverbal Interactions in Small, Intimate Groups. Nonverbal Interactions in Small, Non-Intimate Groups. Nonverbal Intertactions in Large Groups. Conclusion. References. PART II. 4. EMOTIONS: THEIR PERMISSIBILITY AND EXPRESSION. Perceptions of Emotions. Emotion Theories. Cultural and Individual Differences. Interpretations of Emotions. Gender. Class. Religion. Race and Ethnicity. Conclusion. References. 5. SELF: WHERE IT IS, WHERE IT ENDS. Definitions of Concepts. Self in Mainstream United States. Self in Other Cultural Contexts. Gender. Class. Religion. Race and Ethincity. Conclusion. References. 6. RELATIONS: RULES, ROLES, AND SCRIPTS. Power in Relationships. Intimate Relationships. Social Relationships. Public Relationships. Gender. Assimilation and Acculturation. Class. Religion. Race and Ethnicity. Choice and Privilege. Conclusion. References. 7. TIME AND SPACE: HIDDEN COMMUNICATIONS. Time. Space. Uses of Time and Space. Gender Class. Age. Race and Ethnicity. Conclusion. References. Appendix A: Commonly Aggreed-Upon Ethnic Identities of United States Sub-Cultures. Appendix B: Ecomap.

Review :
"I am excited about this (book). It suggests a new approach to learning about diversity, one that focuses on self (always works well with our students!) and is practical in terms of application. Because we talk a lot about ause of selfa in human services, the development of the individual as a helper is at the core of what we teach and the text will mesh well with our philosophy. What is most exciting to me and what other texts donat do well at all is get right down to the anitty-grittyaaalearning culturally-sensitive skills.a The behavioral focusa].will set this text apart from those now available." "The book is important and quite relevant, because it provides an alternative approach to how diversity is being taught. I did find the book quite interesting and very appropriate for todayas issues. I like the way it was broken into identification of self and then moving on to interrelationships with others."