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Utopian Vision: A Grand Solution for a Scholarly Dilemma
1Action Research Associates, Atlanta, GA, USA.
American Journal of Community Psychology
|April 12, 2017
Summary
This study explores the challenge of integrating diversity and community, using personal experience to suggest a new framework for understanding "The Good Life." It examines how to achieve unity amidst diversity.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Community Studies
- Diversity and Inclusion
Background:
- The United States' motto, "out of many, one," reflects a desire for diversity.
- Achieving true unity and diversity presents significant societal challenges.
- Existing conceptions of community and diversity may be in conflict.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the possibility of reconciling community and diversity.
- To examine the complexities of fostering racial integration within an intentional community.
- To propose new notions of community, diversity, and The Good Life.
Main Methods:
- Personal narrative and experiential research within an intentional community.
- Qualitative exploration of concepts like community, diversity, and utopia.
- Analysis of societal reactions to the idea of utopian ideals.
Main Results:
- The desire for strong community can conflict with a broad conception of diversity.
- Personal experience in an integrated community offers insights into potential synthesis.
- Reactions to "utopia" highlight the difficulties in achieving such integration.
Conclusions:
- A new conceptual framework for community, diversity, and The Good Life is needed.
- Achieving "out of many, one" requires a deliberate effort to believe in and work towards synthesis.
- The study provides a nuanced perspective on the practical and philosophical challenges of diversity and inclusion.