Defining diversity in groupwork: A relational exploration

Abstract

Underlying traditional definitions of diversity is a focus on individual or social group characteristics, which is problematic to groupwork. Toward remediating this issue, this paper explores groupworker understandings of diversity and how perceptions impact approaches to diversity arising in groups. The overall project consists of sequential phases reflective of a mixed-methods design, beginning with interviews and focus groups at locations across Canada. Grounded theory methods guided the analysis. In the study, groupworkers reported feeling overwhelmed and, in some cases, ‘paralyzed’ by the complex diversity in groups. In keeping with the traditional aims of groupwork, attending to diversity goes beyond the group to include responses to diversity in organizational and community contexts. A critical step in moving forward is to examine the nuances of diversity and move beyond thinking of diversity merely in terms of demographic variables to include relational and intersectional identities of group members.