DIVERSITY

IN THE CONTEXT OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

GROUP – 1

Annunita - 23/PSY/001

Christina Lalhriatpuii- 23/PSY/002

C.Lallawmzuali - 23/PSY/003

Elijah Lalnghakrenga - 23/PSY/004

What is Diversity in Social Psychology?
•Diversity is difference based on one’s sex, sexual
orientation, race and ethnicity, national background,
income and education level, language, religion,
appearance etc.

•Each of these identities brings unique perspectives and

experiences that shape behavior, perceptions, and
interactions in social contexts.

•The concept of diversity does not mean equality,

inclusion or pluralism, but is a separate concept, having
its own set of values and practicing principles. However,
diversity, equality, inclusion and pluralism are interrelated
(Palmer & Watkins, 2018).
The psychology of diversity is based on two
principles:-

•One, through our thoughts, judgments, and

actions, we shape and distort the raw material of
objective social differences.

•Two, the diverse social contexts in which we live

shape our identities and actions.
 Why Diversity Matters in Social
Psychology?

• Broadens Understanding: Considering diverse

identities allows for a more nuanced understanding of
social behaviors, attitudes, and interactions.

• Reduces Bias: Helps avoid generalizations and

stereotypes by considering multiple viewpoints, leading
to more accurate research outcomes.

• Enhances Social Cohesion: Fosters empathy and

understanding by promoting awareness of how
individuals from different backgrounds experience the
world.
Application of Diversity Concept - Law
Some specific areas of application of law in social psychology include:
 Jury decision-making: Social psychologists study how juries make
decisions in legal cases, including how they interpret evidence, how they
deliberate, and how they are influenced by factors such as biases,
stereotypes, and emotions. They investigate how to improve the fairness
and accuracy of jury decision-making.
 Eyewitness testimony: Social psychologists study the accuracy and
reliability of eyewitness testimony, including the factors that influence
memory and perception, such as stress, attention, and suggestion. They
investigate how to improve the validity and credibility of eyewitness
testimony.
 Criminal behavior. Social psychologists study the psychological factors
that contribute to criminal behavior, including personality traits, social
influences, and situational factors. They investigate how to prevent and
reduce criminal behavior through interventions that address these factors.
 Law enforcement: Social psychologists study the psychological factors
that influence law enforcement behavior, including decision-making, use of
force, and communication with the public. They investigate how to improve
police training, accountability, and community relations.
Application of Diversity Concept - Workplace
Some specific areas of application of workplace in social psychology include:
 Organizational behavior: Social psychologists study the behavior of
individuals and groups in organizations, including factors that influence job
satisfaction, motivation, leadership, and communication. They investigate
how to improve organizational effectiveness and employee well-being
through interventions that address these factors.
 Diversity and inclusion: Social psychologists study the impact of
diversity on workplace behavior and outcomes, including the factors that
influence prejudice, discrimination, and bias They investigate how to
promote diversity and inclusion through interventions that address these
factors
 Work-life balance: Social psychologists study the impact of work on
individuals' personal lives including the factors that influence work-family
conflict, job stress, and burnout. They investigate how to improve work-life
balance through interventions that address these factors.
 Human resource management: Social psychologists study the processes
and practices of human resource management, including recruitment,
selection, training, and performance evaluation. They investigate how to
improve these processes and practices to promote organizational
effectiveness and employee well-being
Application of Diversity Concept - Health

Some specific areas of application of health in social psychology include:

 Health behavior change: Social psychologists study how people adopt
healthy behaviors and how they can be encouraged to change unhealthy
behaviors, such as smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise. They
investigate the factors that influence behavior change, including attitudes,
social norms, self-efficacy, and motivation.
 Health communication: Social psychologists study the effectiveness of
health communication strategies, including public health campaigns, social
marketing, and health education programs. They investigate how to
communicate health information in a way that is accurate, accessible, and
engaging.
 Chronic illness: Social psychologists study the psychological impact of
chronic illness on individuals and their families, including coping strategies,
quality of life, and psychological distress. They investigate how to improve
the management of chronic illness through interventions that address
psychological and social factors.
 Health policy: Social psychologists study the psychological factors that
influence health policy, including political attitudes, public opinion, and
advocacy. They investigate how to promote health policy that is evidence-
based, equitable, and effective
References
 Fiske, S. T., & Taylor, S. E. (2017). Social cognition: From
brains to culture (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.

 Plaut, V. C. (2010). Diversity science: Why and how difference

makes a difference. Psychological inquiry

 Dovidio, J. F., Hewstone, M., Glick, P., & Esses, V. M. (2010).

The SAGE handbook of prejudice, stereotyping, and
discrimination. SAGE Publications.

 Kelly, A. (2019, October 28). The Concept of Diversity – SCRAs

Position. Community Psychology

 Introduction to the Psychology of Diversity. (n.d.). Sage

Publications.