Thinking critically about Social Influences and Diversity

Thinking critically about Social Influences and Diversity

Introduction

Throughout our lives we find ourselves in a variety of situations that place us on a crossroad between two alternatives and we are caught between making a choice and selecting a course of action there are various elements that come through our mind, at times our mind makes us do the inevitable while at other moments we take decisions that we never knew we were capable of. There are certain factors that make us react in such a way, those factors behind our choices and decision are termed as social influences, and can be defined as a way in which external factors modify our course of action, affect our behaviour and feelings. Social influences are studied in psychology and sociology and various applications have been identified, Social influences are basically part of a bigger transformational process of a person (Wren, 2002).

There are certain elements considered a part of social influences though it is an incorrect assumption, those factors are; Conformity : When a person gives in and expresses a certain idea or thought in order to fit in a certain situation of to give a certain impression to other people. Power: Power is when someone coerces someone to behave in a manner they suggest. Authority: Authority is legitimate power. These three elements are not social influencers since an actual social influence would be one that makes a person make real changes to their feelings, beliefs and behaviours. People conform to other people's beliefs and actions when they find someone similar to them (Cotterell, 1998).

Social influences brings forth another important factor known as diversity, which may be defined as The condition of being composed of a variety of different elements specially the inclusion of different people (Rashotte, 2006).

Discussion

In terms of our student lives we face a whole array of different students who have their own individuality in numerous parameters, for instance in their learning styles, race, gender, intellectual capacities, ethnicity, family backgrounds, cultures, emotional and physical development, are some of the common factors that differentiate different students, each person is unique in a variety of ways. Diversity has recently become a part of our norms, student groups' demand for their interests to be considered, all in the name of equality. Teachers now need to be constantly aware of the pressure of diversity.

Within any educational institutions taking into considerations all the various differences is impossible no teacher has the capability to remember each difference and act accordingly.

Similarly there cannot be any special focus on gender, race, ethnicity, social class and culture, if emphasis is laid on one aspect another will instantly rise and students will be unable to achieve anything from schools (Elder, 2004).

How does all this diversity affect my understanding of learning in higher education?

By learning about diversity I have been able to relate to other people and understand the situations they must go through in order to obtain an education I've realized that the biggest social influence ...