This glossary was created so that I could build a solid foundation of understanding when it comes to topics related to diversity and culture. The world is full of diversity, and the first step to understanding each other and making this world a better place is by educating yourself on these topics.
Activism
The idea of consistently using actions and demonstrations to promote changes in the social and political climate of society.
Advocacy
The support or willingness to stand up for a topic, belief, or group.
Americans with Disabilities Act
A civil rights law passed in 1990 that says individuals with disabilities can not be discriminated against in any area of their lives.
Bias
A feeling or belief that is one-sided for or against a particular group, issue, or belief.
Cultural Competency
Having an awareness, understanding, and respect of cultures different from one's own culture.
Culturally Responsive Teaching
A way of teaching that incorporates and accounts for the culture of each individual student in the overall goal in learning.
Culture
The traits and aspects, including knowledge, beliefs, norms, and customs, that guide and and are found in groups of people.
Disabilities Education Act
A law where a free public education that is uniquely designed for an individual with disabilities must be made available.
Diversity
The idea of having people of different races, ethnicities, cultures, genders, abilities, sexual orientations, etc. in a setting.
Equity
A trait in society used to describe things that are fair and on an even playing ground.
Gender Identity
An individual's own belief about their gender.
Hidden Curriculum
Things that are learned or picked up in school but not directly taught as part of the school's curriculum.
Intersectionality
The principle that the different social groups a person belongs to overlap and are connected in creating advantages or disadvantages in society.
Looking Glass Self
How humans perceive how others will view them.
Meritocracy
A system where a person's position in society is based on their abilities and deeds rather than resources, family history, or wealth.
Prejudice
An opinion towards a group that is distorted and not based on any actual experience with that group.
Privilege
An advantage that comes with being apart of a certain group in society, one that usually holds the power in society.
Racism
The poor, unfair treatment, discrimination, and hateful acts against a group of people due to their race or ethnicity.
Sex
The group humans and other living organisms are place in based on their reproductive organs.
Sexual Orientation
How a person identifies their self in regards to the gender that the person is romantically or sexually appealed to.
Socialization
The process of social forces making people believe there is a certain way to act or view things in the world, whether consciously or unconsciously.
Socioeconomic Status
The measurement of a person's position in society in regards to economic and social factors like work, education, and wealth.
Systems of Oppression
Things such as policies, institutions, and organizations in society that keep marginalized groups at a disadvantage and keep power in thee hands of those who already have it.
Tolerance
The principle of respecting and allowing beliefs or practices even if a person does not engage or believe in them.
Xenophobia
Bias, prejudice, fear, or hate of people from foreign places.