Encyclopedia of Diversity and Social Justice

One needs only to turn on the TV or go online to encounter daily news coverage across the US that deals with provocative events ranging from racist fraternity rants to protests of officer-involved shootings to attacks on same-sex marriage advocates. In discussion of these incidents, one often hears terminology relating to diversity and social justice. However, definitions can be muddled, and some terms may be co-opted and deliberately twisted to incite controversy. The new Encyclopedia of Diversity and Social Justice brings instead clarity to these issues. Edited by Thompson, this two-volume set includes over 330 entries written by nearly 300 contributors—both scholars and practitioners. Arranged alphabetically, entries cover a gamut of topics from 'able-ism' to 'xenophobia.' Well-known topics are included ('critical pedagogy,' 'human rights,' 'stereotype'), but the reader will also find emerging or unexpected topics ('food justice,' 'hijabiphobia,' 'menstrual taboos'). . . .[T]he encyclopedia serves as an excellent entry into diversity and social justice for beginners and more advanced readers. Summing Up: Recommended. All academic levels; general audiences; professional journalists. * CHOICE *
Diversity is not merely difference but differences that arise out of commonality, such as the humanity we all share. Justice implies equality in treatment, privilege, opportunity, or other arenas. Social justice has a connotation of what society ought to do or what society is doing to ensure just treatment of its members. Of course, these concepts require greater precision when used and are prone to misunderstanding and manipulation in contemporary usage. This work aims to clarify terminology used in popular vernacular and expose some of the nuances that we typically don't consider but profoundly impact our thinking, speech, and actions. Entries are alphabetically arranged, and each has a reference for those interested in additional research. Most entries provide an in-depth treatment of their subject matters and are written so as to be accessible to the general reader. Examples include Able-ism, Bisexuality, Empathy, Freedom of speech, and Tokenism. Some main-level headings have two entries exploring either specialized aspects of that topic or presenting a different viewpoint on the issue. The clarity and depth of the entries make the set suitable for general readers as well as specialists looking to broaden their knowledge. . . .Recommended for most academic libraries. * Booklist *
To mention concepts like tolerance and discrimination, equality and diversity, ethnicity and stereotyping, hate and gender, freedom of speech and empowerment, cross-culturalism and liberty, is to take the reader quickly into the intellectual world of this encyclopedia. These are popular and topical and important areas of study and consideration around the world and have come in recent years to shape both the major narratives in politics and also many of the strategies and projects in education. This, then, is a timely publication, catching the mood and the direction of travel of its inter/cross-disciplinary fields. * s *
This encyclopedia provides much food for thought. It explores language complexities and ongoing dilemmas of a multicultural world, particularly the challenges of moving toward greater societal equity. In the process it provides myriad insights into critical concepts for understanding diversity and social justice. -- Carlos E. Cortés, professor emeritus, Department of History, University of California, Riverside
The Encyclopedia of Diversity and Social Justice is a timely and necessary work. It provides for both scholars and practitioners a wealth of pertinent information required for social justice work, critical consciousness raising, and advances in theories that push forward the agenda of multiple social science and humanities fields. -- Jeanine M. Staples, associate professor of literacy and language & associate professor of African American studies, Pennsylvannia State University
The Encyclopedia of Diversity and Social Justice is an exceptionally comprehensive reference work. The breadth and depth of entries included in the Encyclopedia makes it a particularly valuable resource for higher education libraries, multicultural affairs offices, and resource rooms in academic departments in which faculty and students pursue teaching and research related to issues of equity, diversity, and social justice. Entries reflect the deep and divergent areas of expertise of their authors who bring contemporary insights to well-known diversity topics, as well as expand thinking to new areas of inquiry and practice related to social justice. The editor has done an artful job of bridging local and global concerns in the selection of entries, as well as in linking theory to practice in the arrangement and sequencing of the entries. -- Christine Clark, professor & senior scholar, Multicultural Education, and Founding Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
While an Encyclopedia of Social Justice would provide a one-stop shop for those who desire to study this field as well as engage in the work of social justice in society, this book also offers useful tools for those who are new comers to the field. People are able to come in and out to research basic topics and concepts and move on without feeling overwhelmed. It is a book that would prove to be a good tool kit for all who want to be engaged in the study and application of social justice at all levels, as well as those on the outside looking in and wanting to learn. -- Chinaka S. DomNwachukwu, Professor of Multicultural Education, Associate Dean for Accreditation School of Education, Azusa Pacific University, author of "The Theory and Practice of Multicultural Education" and "An Introduction to Multicultural Education: From Theory to Practice"
Most people say they believe in diversity and many will say they value it. However, very few have clear operational definitions of what diversity is and all the aspects of it's richness. These operational definitions are crucial for today's ever-growing diverse society and world. This Encyclopedia will become an essential reference for educators, employers and others that are and will operate within these global walls. -- Aaron Thompson, Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education and Co-author of Diversity and the College Experience, Infusing Diversity and Cultural Competence into Teacher Education, and Humanity, Diversity, and the Liberal Arts
The Encyclopedia of Diversity and Social Justice provides readers with information and insight to the varied issues and definitions related to this important field.  While many of us have committed our personal and professional lives to the academic understandings of Diversity and Social Justice, rarely have we had the opportunity to have a reference text that provides such a breadth and depth of material in one place.  I applaud the efforts of Sherwood Thompson and all of the contributors who have dedicated their time and expertise to this volume. -- Pamela S. Gates, Dean, College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences, Central Michigan University