The Psychology of Diversity

The Psychology of Diversity presents a captivating social-psychological study of diversity, the obstacles confronting it, and the benefits it provides. The text considers how historical, political, economic, and societal factors shape the way people think about and respond to diversity. The approach is multi-level, with coverage of diverse topics including everything from the neuroscience of prejudice to the politics of diversity. While the book devotes considerable attention to the problems of prejudice and discrimination toward diverse groups, chapters also describe proven techniques for improving intergroup relations in a variety of ways. It illuminates how well-intentioned efforts to control bias can backfire personally, interpersonally, and socially. Although challenges to diversity are significant, emphasis is placed on why and how an understanding of diversity can offer unique insights and opportunities, and prepare people better for a global society. "Unlike older and traditional texts on prejudice and intergroup relations, "The Psychology of Diversity" offers a sharply different approach - one much better suited to the complexities and subtleties of present-day intergroup phenomena. It is also authoritative as one would expect from a text written by leading social psychological experts in the field." Thomas F. Pettigrew, "University of California, Santa Cruz" "This is the most comprehensive survey of diversity since the groundbreaking Jones Prejudice and Racism volume, the undisputed bible of the field for decades. "The Psychology of Diversity," authoritatively written by some of the field's foremost leaders, will rightfully take its place as the go-to resource for students, researchers, and practitioners alike, to meet the challenges of the 21st century." Professor Susan Fiske, "Eugene Higgins Professor, Psychology and Public Affairs, Princeton University" "One could not hope for better guides through the maze of social-psychological work on diversity in America. Jones, Dovidio, and Vietze prove to be map-makers of 'Lewis and Clark' quality, never losing their way over difficult terrain, and steering the reader through defining research on psychological processes, and an analysis of diversity in terms of culture, power, and institutions." Miles Hewstone, "Professor of Social Psychology, University of Oxford, UK" "The successful management of increasingly diverse societies is a major imperative of our times. In their extraordinarily comprehensive volume, Jones, Dovidio, and Vietze do a masterful job of presenting the latest scientific evidence concerning both the challenges to and opportunities for moving beyond prejudice and racism. This volume is essential reading for anyone interested in social diversity or intergroup relations." Jim Sidanius, "Department of Psychology, Harvard University" ""The Psychology of Diversity: Beyond Prejudice and Racism" is an illuminating book on the psychological processes behind power, bias, and cultural difference, as well as the broad influences and challenges that diversity presents. This book is unique in that it not only addresses the negative consequences of bias and discrimination, but also contributes research-based solutions to these problems by providing techniques to improve intergroup relations; I highly recommend this book not only for students, but for professionals and all individuals who care about reducing prejudice and respecting and benefitting from diversity in our society." Florence L. Denmark, Ph.D., "Robert Scott Pace Distinguished Research Professor of Psychology, " "Former President of the American Psychological Association"