Diversity refers to all facets of variability found in nature and throughout society. Some features of human diversity are genetically predetermined, some are socially constructed, and still others derive from both biology and culture.

Diversity plays a dynamic and critical role in the development of individual and group identities. Among the sources of identity most often associated with diversity are an individual's or group's race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, gender, age, socioeconomic status, geographic background, job or profession, physical capacities and limitations, age, ...