Have you ever noticed the acronym DEI in politics and wondered what does DEI stands for in politics? The full form of this interesting acronym is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. It means just treatment and participation of people who have traditionally been neglected based on their identity. In politics it is introduced to give equal rights to the marginalized communities of the society, and they will be having equal opportunities in job market. Let’s break it down:
- Diversity: it is the participation of variety of people in the workplace regardless of race, gender, caste, and identity. It means to accept the differences and create a society which includes every face in one place.
- Equity: it means to give everyone equal opportunities and allocating resources to everyone.
- Inclusion: creating a society where everyone’s voice is being heard, and everyone is motivated to speak freely.
DEI is not only a political term, but it is also widely in various organizations like schools, hospital, and other workplaces. This helps to increase the happiness and productivity among the workers.
Historical Context of DEI?
DEI stands for in politics has a very old history back to 1865, but the DEI policies came to prominence when John F. Kennedy signed the executive order in 1961. This was signed to ensure that everyone in the region is employed and treated justly regardless of race, gender, and color. In 1980s this acronym gained popularity, Ronald Reagan discussed that having a diverse workforce is economical boost for the country rather than a curse.
Moreover, in 1990s George H.W. Bush gave it an extra push by giving chances for people with disabilities to work in the market and special accommodations were given to them. Since 2000s about 7.9 billion Dollars have been spent on diversity, and veterans were given chances to work in the civil workforce. It is after 2000 that many presidents like Barrack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden signed various orders to bring diversity and inclusion to the front.
Why DEI in Politics important?
The initiative of DEI ensures that everyone’s voice is being heard regardless of race, caste, and color. In every sector like educational system, government, military, and media people will enjoy being treated equally. These sectors will grow in following ways:
- Growth and Improvement
There is more chance that in a diverse environment the people will share ideas which are new and unique. This will help in the growth of the specific sector effectively. Research by Harvard Business Review showed that diverse companies will create 70% new markets. This is evident that if there will be new markets then innovation will lead in the society.
- Employer’s Choice
In the contemporary society the job seekers are more vigilant when they are in search of a job, and their top priority the workplace which has staffs from diverse background. They are most likely to meet new people and make new networks. So, DEI will help the people to make new networks and learn new things.
- Effective Planning
Platforms which are based on Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity will enable the workers to plan various works as one and firm team. They will enjoy working together because no one is being discriminated based on their color, region, and race.
- Make Better Policies
If DEI is implemented in government sectors, then it will help the policy makers to bring policies which will help to improve a country effectively. This will also help the people to live a better lifestyle, and they will enjoy the innovations. Moreover, this will also help to combat various conflict on a large scale.
Conclusion
Although DEI in politics is good as it promotes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. With this, it is also subject to various criticisms, like many institutions (schools) are removing the word diversity from jobs, ending the diversity campaign, and some are closing the spaces based on identity.
An interesting topic to read.