The Diversity Wheel is a great visual representation of the diversity that we each possess. It gives an overview of the dimensions of diversity that are present and active in one’s environment. It consists of four layers of diversity: personality, internal, external and organizational dimensions.

Diversity Wheel Glossary

  • Age – The number of years a person has been alive.
  • Appearance – How a person chooses to express themselves with dress.
  • Citizenship – The position or status of being a citizen of a particular country.
  • Education – The process of receiving or giving instruction especially in a school or university.
  • Ethnicity – A person’s ethnic affiliation or quality.
  • Experiences – The process of living through events.
  • Interests/Extracurricular Involvement – Participation in an activity outside of assigned coursework.
  • Family Structure – The combination of relatives and people that comprise a family.
  • Gender Expression – The physical and behavioral way one conveys their gender through mannerisms and expressions.
  • Gender Identity – A person’s internal sense of being male, female or some combination thereof.
  • Geographic Location – A person’s position and place on the earth.
  • Income – Money received.
  • K-12 level – Publicly supported grades prior to college or university.
  • Longevity – A long duration of existence or service.
  • National Origin – The nation where a person was born or where their ancestors came from.
  • Organizational Memberships – Belonging to a group or organization outside of school hours.
  • Physical Characteristics – A person’s distinguishing traits or qualities.
  • Professional Title – A person’s job title as part of an organization.
  • Physical, Mental and Cognitive Abilities – A person’s natural physical, cognitive and mental aptitude and proficiencies.
  • Race – A group sharing a common cultural, geographical, linguistic, religious origin or background.
  • Relationship Status – A term used to describe if a person is single, married, or in a civil partnership.
  • Religious Beliefs – Holding or not holding a religious belief.
  • Roles and Department – An individual’s responsibility or position in an organization.
  • Sexual Orientation – A person’s sexual identity as bi-sexual, straight, gay, pan, etc.
  • Socio-economic Status – The social standing or class of an individual group often measured in income, education, and occupation.
  • Thinking and Communication Styles – how someone expresses thoughts, feelings, and beliefs.