You’ve probably heard that our differences makes us stronger, but do you know why? In this blog, we explain why diversity is so important for society and examine demographic trends in the United States, as well as their impact in community planning.
Benefits Of Diversity in Society
Just like organizations, communities that embrace different races, cultures, and genders are more open to new ideas. While it’s undeniable that conflicts are part of the process, establishing a dialogue and learning to respect the differences is what differentiates democracies from tyrannies.
The benefits of diversity for communities are countless. A diverse student body, for example, is less susceptible to bullying and its members feel encouraged to think outside the box. Also, studies have found that, due to the effects of globalization, diversity can play a role in economic growth because it positively impacts industrialization. Having people from all demographics also drives innovation in the workplace.
Planning Communities For All Ages And Ethnicities
The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging report “Making Your Community Livable for All Ages: What’s Working?” revealed that every day 10,000 people turn 65 in the United States. By 2030, the number of older adults is expected to represent nearly 20% of the population, which makes us wonder if our communities are prepared for it.
The report not only raise awareness to the problem, but also goes beyond, suggesting ten strategies to make communities more livable for all ages. These strategies include celebrating racial and ethnic diversity, honoring the uniqueness of local communities, revering older adults, and taking age into consideration during debates.
Another interesting statistic shows that the country is becoming more ethnically diverse: While 80% of Americans over age 65 are white, 50% of Americans under age 5 are non-white.
If we want to build a better world, the question we have to repeatedly ask is: Are we making our communities more inclusive?
CREED LA fights to ensure that developers pay fair wages to all the hard working construction professionals throughout the industry while simultaneously providing them with quality health care, continued training, and trustworthy retirement plans. To learn more about how our non-profit organization supports those building a better, greener world for us all, contact CREED LA online or at (877) 810-7473.