Why Diversity In Politics Plays A Role In Society

Diversity informs policy, strengthens democratic systems, and fuels innovation within governments worldwide. Diversity also presents a gateway for a better understanding of different cultures, which can significantly impact intercontinental relationships. In the US, inclusivity is at the foundation of the representative democracy. This aspect is as old as the country itself ("with liberty and justice for all" is written into the US Pledge of Allegiance) and reflects society's varied identities, experiences, and perspectives.

However, with the country's vision of strength in diversity comes many challenges along the political spectrum. Diversity often involves effective communication, empathy, and emotional intelligence that might not come easily to everyone. With time, those qualities may become second nature to humankind. Until then, a world where people find strength in differences may remain a work in progress.  

So, what is happening with diversity in US politics today, and how does it continue to play a significant role in how society functions? Below, explore the topic of diversity and politics, its benefits and challenges, and how inclusivity can help society grow as a nation and as individuals. 

The current state of diversity and politics  

While the current state of political diversity in the US is better in the 2020s than historically, many examples of representation gaps favoring one group over another exist. For example, the 118th Congress is more racially and ethnically diverse than any other in history. However, in 2023, Non-Hispanic White Americans made up the majority of voting Congress members in the White House (75%) but represented only 59% of the American population. 

Why ethnic and cultural diversity in politics matters in civil society

Diversity offers many benefits in many areas of life. Socially, it enriches individuals’ experiences and deepens people’s understanding of others. Diversity cultivates greater innovation in the workplace and teaches people how to use their unique perspectives to work toward a common goal. The importance of diversity in politics stretches from the individual to the grassroots community to the global community. Below are some foundational reasons why diversity in politics matters. 

Diversity ensures all voices are heard

A diverse political landscape ensures that different groups, based on race, gender, ethnicity, religion, and socioeconomic status, have their voices heard. Ensuring inclusivity leads to laws and inclusive policies that reflect the needs and experiences of a wider population. Being open to many identities also serves as a means of education, teaching groups that might not ordinarily intermingle about each other’s point of view. 

Diversity cultivates a civil society based on legitimacy and trust  

When political institutions reflect the diversity of the people they serve, citizens are more likely to view them as legitimate and trustworthy. An inclusive government reduces the risk of alienating or marginalizing minority groups and ensures equal opportunities for participation and leadership. This format demonstrates that government institutions work for everyone, not just a privileged few. 

Inclusivity leads to better decision-making 

Politicians from diverse backgrounds often bring unique perspectives, experiences, and ideas to decision-making. Diversity also helps disrupt the dynamic of “groupthink,” where consensus is favored over unbiased evaluation. These factors encourage constructive debate and can lead to more innovative and comprehensive solutions to complex social issues. 

Ethnic and cultural diversity reduces inequalities  

Diverse political representation may address systemic inequities by prioritizing issues like social justice, economic disparities, and access to resources, ensuring fairer outcomes for marginalized groups. For example, in public health policymaking, diverse voices might highlight unique challenges marginalized communities commonly face, leading to more equitable healthcare solutions. Additionally, diverse representation in education policy can ensure curricula reflect multicultural histories, benefiting students from all backgrounds.

Diversity and politics combined inspire role models 

Through diverse political representation, leadership stereotypes may be challenged, social barriers may be broken down, and opportunities for people of all races, genders, ethnicities, and more may be provided. Diverse political leaders may inspire individuals in underrepresented communities, especially young people, to engage in civic life and work toward attaining leadership roles themselves. By normalizing diversity in leadership, society instills confidence in the next generation that they can also lead. For example, young girls inspired by women leaders in politics may aspire to break gender barriers in other fields, fostering a ripple effect across professions.

It strengthens social cohesion

Diversity in politics demonstrates that inclusion is valued in civil society, helping to bridge divides and foster unity across different communities. Diverse political representation reinforces the idea that citizens can unite around common goals, such as economic growth, security, or education, despite differences. This shared purpose strengthens national identity and social cohesion.

Cultural and ethnic diversity encourages global collaboration 

Diverse political leadership often equips nations to navigate global challenges better and collaborate with other countries, particularly as the world becomes increasingly interconnected. Politicians from diverse backgrounds may have linguistic skills, cultural knowledge, and global networks that enhance their ability to build diplomatic bridges.

Additionally, political diversity boosts a nation’s “soft power” on the world stage by projecting an image of inclusivity and progressiveness. Countries with diverse leadership are often viewed as models for equity and justice, which attracts international respect and collaboration. 

The impact of diverse perspectives on decision-making  

Including diverse perspectives in decision-making significantly and positively impacts various contexts. For example, this perspective drives democracy, promotes business success, and enriches individual lives. Many of these benefits can overlap between areas, as well. 

Diverse perspectives can strengthen problem-solving skills, allowing leaders of all kinds to bring unique insights, experiences, and ways of thinking. Research in organizational behavior shows that diversity in leadership reduces the risk of “groupthink" and encourages creative solutions. Various viewpoints often encourage problem-solving innovation by combining ideas from different cultural, educational, and professional backgrounds. Diverse teams are frequently better equipped to approach problems from unconventional angles.

Decision-making skills are often stronger among more diverse teams with multiple perspectives. Diversity provides decision-makers with a broader range of scenarios and potential consequences, which can lead to more well-rounded, informed decisions that are less influenced by "groupthink.” 

Diverse perspectives also lead to more equitable outcomes because they help uncover implicit biases that more homogeneous groups might overlook. When diverse voices are present, the decisions made are more likely to reflect the interests and needs of all stakeholders, fostering equity and fairness.

Strategies for diversifying employees in political and workplace organizations

Promoting diversity in organizations begins with developing policies prohibiting discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and other protected groups. Below are additional suggestions for how to diversify your pool of employees or elected officials:

• Implement more inclusive policies embracing diversity 
• Establish straightforward recruitment and promotion processes that ensure fairness
• When recruiting, actively seek candidates from diverse communities through targeted outreach programs or organizations
• Assemble diverse hiring panels to review candidate applications and participate in the recruitment and hiring process
• Provide mandatory unconscious bias training for all political staff and elected officials. 
• Conduct cultural competency workshops to raise awareness of different perspectives and experiences
• Encourage leadership development programs for diverse candidates
• Highlight and celebrate diverse leaders and role models 

Barriers to cultural and ethnic diversity in politics  

Barriers to diversity in politics are often complex and deeply rooted in history. For example, groups may face systemic barriers that limit their representation and access to political power, such as unequal access to education and resources, voter suppression, and exclusion from political processes. 

Marginalized groups might encounter stereotypes and biases that can lead to campaign, voting, and workplace discrimination. Some people lack the financial resources often required to campaign in politics. Economic disparities can also prevent some groups from accessing higher education or professional networks that are critical for entering politics.

Differences in language, traditions, and cultural understanding might also create barriers to political involvement. Political discourse might not be inclusive of all groups, leading to a sense of exclusion or alienation for those who don't share the dominant language or culture. In some cases, marginalized people may fear discrimination, backlash, or violence if they express their views in the political arena. This fear can deter people from participating in politics. 

Diversity in politics is a dynamic process

Diversity in politics typically evolves due to policy reform, economic development, and broader shifts in societal attitudes driven by activism and media exposure. Factors like generational change often play a role, as younger generations may have different perspectives and views on diversity and inclusion. Technological progress can have an impact, too. For example, increased visibility provided by social media and digital platforms has given a voice to previously marginalized groups underrepresented in mainstream media. 

Globalization and migration changes often lead to more multicultural societies where immigrants and their descendants can integrate into the political system and contribute to a more diverse government. As a country's demographic makeup changes, political parties may adjust their platforms to address the needs of a more diverse electorate. 

Challenges faced by diverse politicians in our modern society

Attitudes toward diversity and inclusion have evolved, as has the political landscape. Increased public discourse on social acceptance and diversity has led to greater representation and inclusion. Despite progress, politicians representing diverse constituencies often face various societal challenges stemming from systemic factors and societal attitudes, which may include the following: 

• Racism, discrimination, and prejudice: Politicians from racial, ethnic, or religious minority groups often face racism and discrimination
• Stereotyping and cultural misunderstanding: Diverse politicians may be stereotyped based on their ethnic or cultural background, and their policies or viewpoints may be misunderstood or dismissed because of these stereotypes
• Heightened hostility and backlash: Politicians from minority groups may face heightened hostility in the form of personal attacks, hate speech, or threats of violence—not just from political opponents but also from the public
• Underrepresentation and isolation: Despite being elected to office, diverse politicians can feel isolated or unsupported in predominantly homogenous political environments
• Challenges cultivating political networks and resources: Some politicians from underrepresented groups may not have the same access to robust political networks, donors, or institutional support that their more established counterparts have
• Double standards and higher scrutiny: Politicians from marginalized communities may be more strongly scrutinized or held to higher standards than their peers
• Media bias: Diverse politicians may face biased, stereotypical media coverage that focuses more on their background or appearance than their policies or political abilities

Addressing political diversity can be challenging in some situations

Talking to a therapist can help

Marginalization and mental health challenges

Some people from marginalized and disadvantaged communities are more likely to face unique mental health challenges. These challenges may be associated with issues around trauma, identity, inequality, and chronic exposure to stressful situations associated with prejudice. Additionally, research reveals that disadvantaged and marginalized groups are more likely to experience barriers to quality mental health services, culturally incompetent providers, discrimination, cultural stigma, and lack of education about mental health. These factors can lead to poorer mental health outcomes that have a ripple effect on individuals’ families and communities. 

Outreach initiatives, changes in mental health policy, culturally adapted services, and mental health education may help address and improve such outcomes. Some interventions, like teletherapy, offer an effective treatment alternative that can be tailored to the needs of marginalized individuals. For example, online therapy platforms like BetterHelp may give individuals access to a broader pool of therapists from diverse backgrounds and experiences who specialize in helping people from underserved communities. Online therapy also offers individuals facing mental health stigma a measure of discretion they might not receive in traditional treatment. 

Takeaway

Diversity in politics is a fundamental part of fair representation and effective governance. Inclusion can help contrasting groups work together more effectively, cultivate more significant innovation, and lead to beneficial change. On a social level, exposure to diversity offers individuals an opportunity for personal growth and greater self-awareness. While governments worldwide have their political challenges, everyone benefits when people from different backgrounds approach each other with empathy and respect. For support as a marginalized individual or anyone struggling with mental health challenges, consider reaching out to a therapist online or in your area.