Diverging on diversity and difference: The mask of inclusion
In this paper we argue that the clichéd phrases, ‘dealing with difference’ and ‘dealing with diversity’, despite their commitment to accepting and appreciating difference and diversity, may be used in counterproductive ways to camouflage resistance to change and transformation. In a small sample of...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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University of the Free State
2010-09-01
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| Series: | Perspectives in Education |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://196.255.246.28/index.php/pie/article/view/38 |
| _version_ | 1797257923897851904 |
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| author | V. Pillay C. E. McLellan |
| author_facet | V. Pillay C. E. McLellan |
| author_sort | V. Pillay |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description |
In this paper we argue that the clichéd phrases, ‘dealing with difference’ and ‘dealing with diversity’, despite their commitment to accepting and appreciating difference and diversity, may be used in counterproductive ways to camouflage resistance to change and transformation. In a small sample of interviews conducted at a South African university, the appropriation of these phrases for the purpose of practicing sameness was apparent. While pointing to the possibilities of asserting diversity and difference and simultaneously practicing sameness, the paper also proposes the possibilities for the acknowledgement and embracing of the ambivalence toward diversity and difference as valuable opportunities for transformation.
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| first_indexed | 2024-04-24T22:45:21Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-0508fce9a93d460296fa9079bdef167b |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 0258-2236 2519-593X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-24T22:45:21Z |
| publishDate | 2010-09-01 |
| publisher | University of the Free State |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Perspectives in Education |
| spelling | doaj.art-0508fce9a93d460296fa9079bdef167b2024-03-18T11:12:26ZengUniversity of the Free StatePerspectives in Education0258-22362519-593X2010-09-0128310.38140/pie.v28i3.38Diverging on diversity and difference: The mask of inclusionV. Pillay0C. E. McLellan1University of PretoriaCentre for International Exchanges at Academy for Educational Development (AED), Washington, DC In this paper we argue that the clichéd phrases, ‘dealing with difference’ and ‘dealing with diversity’, despite their commitment to accepting and appreciating difference and diversity, may be used in counterproductive ways to camouflage resistance to change and transformation. In a small sample of interviews conducted at a South African university, the appropriation of these phrases for the purpose of practicing sameness was apparent. While pointing to the possibilities of asserting diversity and difference and simultaneously practicing sameness, the paper also proposes the possibilities for the acknowledgement and embracing of the ambivalence toward diversity and difference as valuable opportunities for transformation. http://196.255.246.28/index.php/pie/article/view/38DiversityDifferenceTransformationHigher education institutionsInclusion |
| spellingShingle | V. Pillay C. E. McLellan Diverging on diversity and difference: The mask of inclusion Perspectives in Education Diversity Difference Transformation Higher education institutions Inclusion |
| title | Diverging on diversity and difference: The mask of inclusion |
| title_full | Diverging on diversity and difference: The mask of inclusion |
| title_fullStr | Diverging on diversity and difference: The mask of inclusion |
| title_full_unstemmed | Diverging on diversity and difference: The mask of inclusion |
| title_short | Diverging on diversity and difference: The mask of inclusion |
| title_sort | diverging on diversity and difference the mask of inclusion |
| topic | Diversity Difference Transformation Higher education institutions Inclusion |
| url | http://196.255.246.28/index.php/pie/article/view/38 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT vpillay divergingondiversityanddifferencethemaskofinclusion AT cemclellan divergingondiversityanddifferencethemaskofinclusion |