ABSTRACT
Diversity includes all the ways in which people differ, such as race, ethnicity and gender, but also age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, educational need, marital status, language and physical appearance. In terms of education, diversity is thus centred on these characteristics in individuals as they can affect the learning and development process. Current usage of diversity as a concept in education is focused on inclusion of provision in order to investigate how characteristics of diversity may be linked to differing educational experience and outcomes for groups and individuals. Fundamental to the promotion of diversity is the recognition of power imbalances that exist at a micro and macro level in education: treating individuals fairly does not mean treating all in the same way. Educators have a responsibility to recognise such issues and acknowledge their existence, so that perpetuation of power imbalances and inequality in the face of diversity do not cause detriment to some.
