Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Intercultural Citizenship in Higher Education

In this Element, the author argues that DEI and ICitE can complement each other in a variety of positive and productive ways. The author does so by identifying the intersections between these two distinct yet interrelated fields and by providing an example of how they can be intentionally synergized in HE practice.

Traditionally, the fields of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Intercultural Citizenship Education (ICitE) have been treated separately in Higher Education (HE) and beyond, with DEI often being associated with domestic diversity, while ICitE is often situated within international contexts. Although such binary perception is no longer adequate due to the superdiversity that characterizes today''s university communities, the origins of this categorical distinction can be explained through an examination of the disciplinary roots, theoretical foundations, primary focus, and implementation approaches. Despite this difference in perspectives between the two fields, the Element argues that DEI and ICitE can complement each other in a variety of positive and productive ways. It does so by identifying the intersections between these two distinct yet interrelated fields and by providing an example of how they can be intentionally synergized in HE practice.