Migration and Diversity

Introduction to Module 14: Migration and Diversity

A diverse population brings many benefits to receiving communities and economies. When we talk about diversity within the context of migration, the first things that come to mind are usually the vibrant cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity migrants bring to our societies. But in addition to these, all migrants share in the full range of differences among people, including but not limited to gender, age and ability. Examining the intersection between migration and other dimensions of diversity is important for understanding all migrants’ experiences. It is also important for fostering social cohesion and inclusive societies.

Learning Objective

Students will explore the cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity migrants bring to societies. They will examine the full range of differences among people that migrants also share in, and will be able to explain why examining the intersection between migration and other dimensions of diversity is important for fostering inclusive societies.

WMR Chapter Focus

This module will draw on Chapter 6 “Gender and Migration: Trends, gaps and urgent action” in the World Migration Report 2024 ”; Chapter 11 “Artificial Intelligence, Migration And Mobility: Implications For Policy And Practice” in the World Migration Report 2022; Chapter 5 “Reflections on Migrants’ Contributions in an Era of Increasing Disruption and Disinformation”, and Chapter 6 “Migration, Inclusion and Social Cohesion: Challenges, Recent Developments and Opportunities” in the World Migration Report 2020.

Proposed Schedule

1-2 class periods (50-100 minutes) plus independent student work.

  • Class period one: introduction, student resource sheet; text-based and data-based questions
  • Class period two: Module One Scenario Interactive Activity: “Celebrating diversity: Cultural rights and migration.”

Student Assessment

There are several assessment options in this module and teachers may use some or all of them.

  • Understanding the Basics:

    • Questions based on the Student Resource Sheets

  • Going Further:

    • Text case study: Artificial Intelligence in visa and asylum processing and decision-making
    • Data case study: The Canadian census: A rich portrait of the country’s religious and ethnocultural diversity
    • Interactive scenario: Students will work in groups to explore how cultural diversity among migrants is protected and celebrated in specific countries. Students will also design an initiative aimed at promoting and/or celebrating the cultural rights of migrants in their own countries, and present it to the class.

Evidence of Learning

Students will be able to talk about diversity within the context of migration, including the vibrant cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity migrants bring to our societies; as well as the full range of differences among people, including but not limited to gender, age and ability. They will also discuss the intersection between migration and other dimensions of diversity for migrants and societies. Students will make oral presentations about what is being done in different countries to protect and celebrate the cultural rights of migrants, and will design an initiative aimed at celebrating cultural diversity in their own country.

Starter Activity

Read 3 migrants’ testimonies from IOM’s ”I am aMigrant” project and discuss in class the benefits that diversity brings communities and economies.