Concluding Remarks

This concluding chapter highlights how diversity is a central feature of all social systems. Differences exist whether one is discussing individuals, groups, or nations. The chapter then looks at several statements by the United Nations Educational, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) regarding human differences that proved to be controversial. The final UNESCO document declares that all peoples of the world possess equal faculties and any differences are due to historical, political, economic, social, and cultural factors, not biological factors. It also stresses that the solution to the problems between different races of people rests on the shoulders of the individual. The individual is responsible for creating a culture of peace, respect, and tolerance. Education, according to UNESCO, can transform minds and lives, and drives the development of an individual. Indeed, people’s ability to learn from mistakes confirms that human beings possess the flexibility required for development. The flexibility to change is important because environments can change and unexpected outcomes can occur. The chapter then looks at two types of education that are needed for the study of the science of diversity: the “banking method” of education and “problem-solving” education.