All people of good will recognize that there are two meanings of the word diversity. Thus, Peter Wood speaks of diversity and (italicized) diversity, the latter being code for a set of beliefs and attitudes that have replaced the threatened concept of "affirmative action". The italicized diversity may be a wholesome and benevolent concept but it does not represent actual diversity. Thus, as Wood notes, institutions such as Wellesley, Smith and Bryn Mawr champion the importance of "diversity" while they exclude men. The actual diversity of the workplace includes individuals who are litigious, lazy and combative, but when companies say that they value diversity they mean something quite different. Similarly, while the academy may value and celebrate diversity it seldom exemplifies it in key areas of human thought such as political orientation.
Wood's book provides the historical backdrop for the emergence of "diversity," principally in Justice Powell's opinion in the Bakke case, which involved a colorblind interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment but included agreement that race could be taken into account as a factor in an admissions program, not as the decisive factor but insofar as the race of a black applicant contributed to an institution's diversity. With that door open, the notion of diversity has become pivotal in later case law and, indeed, throughout our academic and corporate culture. The latter, interestingly, was advanced dramatically by a 1987 report entitled Workforce 2000 from the Hudson Institute.
That report garbled some key demographic statistics and suggested that by the year 2000 the percentage of white males entering the labor force would be 15%. Hence the need to change the contemporary universities' way of doing business so that a diverse array of graduates would have the preparation to meet America's corporate needs. The percentage at the time of the report was 47%. The (muddled and mistaken) drop to 15% was reported throughout the media and given considerable attention. The actual number in 2000 was 45.6%.
Wood's survey of the "diversity" concept is historical, with particular attention given to the law, to the academy, to culture and to commerce. It is rich in its examples and often humorous in its tone. Those who have disagreed with some of its conclusions or analysis have acknowledged that it is exceptionally well written and a very enjoyable read.
I would note that Wood is an anthropologist and that his training and credentials provide him with a unique outlook on an issue that has been discussed from other perspectives but seldom from that of a professional anthropologist. The book is learned and important, but written with a light touch that all readers will appreciate.
Highly recommended.
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