Marguerite Bonous-Hammarth - Böcker

The "problem of the 21st century" is rapidly expanding diversity alongside stubbornly persistent status and power inequities by race, ethnicity, gender, class, language, citizenship and region. Extensive technological, economic, political and social changes, along with immigration, combine to produce a global community of great diversity and interpenetration. Unfortunately, this global community continues to be fractured by extreme disparities in wealth and power, divided into "haves" and "have-nots." Universities around the globe can play critical roles in economic development and sociocultural exchange. Where different communities interact, overlap, exchange and compete for scarce resources, complex challenges are presented. Current discourse often views difference and diversity as problems; however, a growing scholarship reframes difference and diversity as potential resources. This volume presents research into the consequences of difference and diversity for higher education. An international group of scholars reflects on the challenges and prospects of diversity, difference and inclusion for universities in their respective societies. Various theoretical and empirical perspectives are used to better understand how diverse populations and expectations intersect to influence higher education and societies globally. Diversity and difference are defined broadly to encompass specific national contexts and their particular emphases on race, ethnicity, gender, culture, language, religion, sexual orientation and/or region. We find that around the world, higher and tertiary institutions confront the "diversity imperative" with varying approaches, success and "best practices." This volume identifies challenges and opportunities that diversity poses for higher education. It provides international comparisons of how diversity affects higher education and of the salience and impact of diversity in higher education. It outlines practical, effective strategies for managing diversity in higher education across different societies.

"As the World Turns" examines two of the major problems confronting higher education in this modern world: access to higher education remains a persistent problem for disadvantaged students around the world; universities that are highly segregated by race, culture, language, nationality, or immigration status have lower achievement for disadvantaged students - who are also more often targets of discrimination. This volume compares discriminated, underrepresented and excluded groups in universities around the globe; identifying personal, group, institutional and societal factors related to persistent inequality. Through a consortium of international scholars, the chapters present studies on minority student experiences and achievement, asking whether and how universities: exhibit difference, diversity and inequality; integrate multiple social groups; encourage respect between diverse communities; and use diversity to enhance student learning. This volume demonstrates how diversity and equity help advance academic excellence in global higher education.

Chapters highlight critical collaborations across student affairs and academic affairs, and delve into milestones addressing access, retention, engagement, and thriving within distinctive institutional types (e.g., research, liberal arts, community colleges, Minority Serving Institutions).