‘Cultural diversity’ seems to be trilling on everyone’s lips at the moment. It certainly is a powerful term, and one that smacks of all those familiar yet exotic qualities that are brought together through custom, tradition, ritual and ceremony. One definition uses appropriately lush language to define it as ‘variety and richness of communities with distinct systems of norms, beliefs, practices, and values.’ Yet however it is defined, cultural diversity is now firmly on the cultural and political agenda.
Not surprisingly then, a cultural diversity industry has sprung up to serve this new area of policy making. One academic journal published by the American Psychological Association looks specifically at Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology. And a growing consultancy industry is already prospering. For more than a few pounds, cultural diversity training is now available for those who need it. See www.business-marketing.com to access Cultural Diversity Training videos, CD-ROMs and Web-Based learning programs.
