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UBC social psychologist Ara Norenzayan thinks most people pay only lip service to diversity.

We’re often told in Canada it’s morally good to “celebrate diversity.” But relatively few actually work with cultural diversity, which, lest we forget, means “difference.”

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In some circles it’s even controversial to suggest there are “pros and cons” to diversity, since some believe it’s an absolute positive. But what if there can be downsides to different cultures existing side by side?

Norenzayan and I recently shared perspectives on diversity, since he has evidence-based theories about what makes it work and not. And I cover the front lines of diversity, including niqabs, ethnic enclaves, mass migration, religion and patriarchy.

Norenzayan finds many students and others in North America make the mistake of thinking that respecting diversity means believing everyone is essentially the same.