Diversity Consciousness: Opening Our Minds to People, Cultures, and Opportunities

by Richard D. Bucher and Patricia L. Bucher

Book Overview

This empowering study on human diversity helps readers develop the ability to understand, respect, and value diversity-and demonstrates how opening one's mind to the views of other peoples and cultures is central for a quality education and successful career. Personalizing the learning experience by integrating a variety of real-life student experiences and perspectives, it discusses topics in a style that promotes self-reflection and dialogue...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0135014638
• ISBN13: 9780135014639
• Release Date: February 2009
• Publisher: Pearson
• Length: 278 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.3" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

New edition - Great book!

Our new edition includes a full chapter on diversity-conscious leadership and as well fully updated statistics and research. Each chapter has new, engaging, interactive Internet exercises as well as in-class or independent activities. I use it in a graduate-level class for educators and find it often results in a new commitment to valuing diversity.

Easy to Read and Relatively Inexpensive

The book is very easy to read. It is short and to the point. It was also cheap.

Provides opportunities for introspection

This book was mandatory reading for a diversity class that I just finished and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! Especially helpful were the opportunities to personally reflect on the sidebar questions, which the reader can use to journal and explore their journey as they become more aware and accepting of diversity. Dr. Bucher (and his wife Pat) have written an thoughful book that provides readers with the tools they need to become more open-minded of differences, whether it be race, gender, religion, sexuality--the book touches a variety of aspects. I would recomment this book to anyone!

From a Sociology Instructor - excellent!

Richard Bucher has hit the proverbial nail on the head with this insightful, down-to-earth text. I am a humanities professor in a small junior college, where students have little chance to experience more than minimal diversity. This somewhat cloistered environment is a perfect spot for the wisdom and practicality of "Diversity Consciousness." The contents introduce, through case studies, team activities, and individual exercises, concepts of racism, discrimination, ethnocentrism, and other population characteristics capable of damaging personal as well as international relationships. Bucher's careful and logical exploration of the opportunities presented by a diverse culture are more than welcome in my classroom, any time!

A concise and challenging exploration of diversity

For several years I have been looking for a simple text to use with students to examine issues of diversity. This is it! Bucher presents in 7 short chapters an overview that includes a broad range of issues, balanced theory with practical application, useful and challenging activities. I plan to use this not only with my sociology students but also with human resource personnel who are trying to be more effective managers of diversity. Good work!