Diversity and Identity

Abstract

The multiple theoretical understandings related to the concepts of diversity and identity provide useful frameworks for exploring capacity-building in a range of complex and, at times, highly contested contexts. This chapter explores how participants in a number of education research studies make sense of diversity and identity as they seek to build their own and others’ capacities in formal and informal educational contexts. It concludes by highlighting key theoretical connections among the concepts of diversity, identity and capacity-building. These are illustrated by reference to empirical studies of Saudi university students in Australia, a university education research team in Australia and yoga teacher trainers in Australia and the United States.