In the contemporary world of social research, both diversity and inclusion have been of important priority, as events have reinforced it over the past few years. Concerning diversity, it ensures that the entire research significantly represents a wide array of identities, experiences, and backgrounds. On the other hand, inclusion denotes valuing and appreciating different people's perspectives to allow everybody to succeed and enjoy the feeling of being included in research work without conforming to any regulations (Mapes et al., 2020). In general, social inclusion entails actions that enhance the terms upon which diverse people and groups participate in society. Thus, the primary aim of inclusion is to effectively improve the dignity, ability, and opportunity of the underprivileged based on their identity. The minority populations or the marginalized groups refer to the ones that are systematically excluded and secluded primarily because of the unequal relations of power within the society (Hernández et al., 2014).
The significant experiences that often result from marginalization are not constant but multifaceted and varied, including the interaction between numerous features or qualities. Recently, the increasing upheaval of specific issues like a worldwide pandemic, the increasing social action on different issues ranging from climate change to women’s rights, and the Black Lives Matter movement have all attracted considerable attention ever more in an attempt to address the issue of discrimination, structural inequalities, and bias and across the world (Mapes et al., 2020). As such, tasked with exploring and profoundly describing the importance of diversity and inclusivity within research, this essay aims at exploring the significance of diversity within social research from both perspectives of the participants and researchers.
In essence, certain groups are often forced to confront significant obstacles that avert them from fully taking part in social life and political and economic programs in each nation. The groups are often excluded based on gender, gender identity, age, race, ethnicity, citizenship status, sexual orientation, and religion. Indeed, this form of social exclusion denies individuals the chance to lead a healthier life, dignity, and security. Therefore, unless the significant factors contributing to exclusion and marginalization are urgently addressed, it may be challenging to maintain sustainable, inclusive progress and a rapid poverty decline (Mapes et al., 2020). However, without a diverse group of people partaking in social research, the researchers may not comprehensibly explain whether the findings are practical to everyone equally.
The entire concept of enhancing diversity and inclusion also substantially involves the notion that many organizations achieve their goals mainly by valuing the diversity of opinions, thoughts, and ways of working from a broader range of employees. In particular, in social research, diversity is imperative as the entire work seeks to signify the viewpoints and experiences of a diverse population across the world (Martin & Molloy, 2021). Nevertheless, the advantages for the various distinct organizations, people, and society should be constant with financial outcomes. According to recent data, the corporations that embrace the idea of gender and ethnical diversity have a higher possibility of outperforming the competitors by approximately10% and 30%, respectively (Government Social Research, 2021). Specific and critical aspects of this include benefits such as providing effective products or services, talent attraction and retention, and improved corporate reputation.
Additionally, social researchers are well accustomed to the massive complexity of human life. They have been confronted with the diverse nature of people daily and the challenges of classifying them into respect groups regarding characteristics like ethnicity and gender. The experience of feeling excluded or discriminated against and being undervalued to participate in the research process is associated with enormous consequences for the individuals (Hernández et al., 2014). Indeed, exclusionary cultures and discriminatory instances diminish one's self-confidence and self-esteem, making them doubt themselves and their characters and capacities instead of the working environment (Martin & Molloy, 2021).
Moreover, research participants should represent cultural diversity by considering characteristics such as age, race, ethnicity, and gender. Without diversity or inclusion in the research, participants can lead to significant research and ethical impacts, including preventing some groups from experiencing research benefits and receiving high-quality services. Indeed, participants from a wide range of cultures greatly help in generating informed research outcomes (Hernández et al., 2014). Diversity promotes trust as those taking part in research are more free and comfortable with the researchers.
In conclusion, social researchers from minority or marginalized groups often experience negative thoughts about operating within the profession. However, today, researchers strive to ensure the inclusion and incorporation of a diversity of ethnicity, identities, and backgrounds. Indeed, social research, especially those participating in it, must always consider the diversity of human culture by ensuring the full inclusion of disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and gender throughout its proposal, responsibility, and presentation. Therefore, social researchers are tasked with taking into account the multicultural nature of today’s society.
References
Government Social Research (2021). Government Social Research Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2021-2025: Growing and embedding a diverse and inclusive GSR culture. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/957190/GSR_D_I_Strategy_2021-2025_Growing___embedding_a_diverse___inclusive_GSR_culture.pdf
Mapes, B. M., Foster, C. S., Kusnoor, S. V., Epelbaum, M. I., AuYoung, M., Jenkins, G., ... & All of Us Research Program. (2020). Diversity and inclusion for the All of Us research program: A scoping review. PloS one, 15(7), e0234962. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234962
Martin, H., & Molloy, C. (2021). Crossing Boundaries and Valuing Diversity. Education in the North. : https://doi.org/10.26203/mcdk-g843
Hernández Sampieri, R., Fernández Collado, C., & Baptista Lucio, P. (2014). Metodología de investigación: Roberto Hernández Sampieri, Carlos Fernández Collado y Pilar Baptista Lucio (6a ed.).
This essay is written by the student of the University of Central Arizona