Diversity, Integration & Community Cohesion (Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies): Revision Note

Exam code: 1CS0

Lisa Eades

Written by: Lisa Eades

Reviewed by: Steve Vorster

Updated on

Developing mutual understanding

  • Mutual understanding is when people listen to each other and appreciate different views, cultures and experiences so they can live and work together respectfully

How mutual understanding is encouraged in schools and the wider community

In schools

  • Citizenship and PSHE education

    • Teaches pupils about diversity, equality, rights and responsibilities

    • Encourages respect for different cultures, religions and beliefs

  • Inclusive school policies

    • Clear rules against bullying, racism and discrimination

    • Promotes fair treatment and a sense of belonging

  • Diverse curriculum and activities

    • Learning about different cultures, religions and histories

    • Celebrating events such as Black History Month or religious festivals

  • Mixing pupils from different backgrounds

    • Group work and school clubs encourage cooperation

    • Helps pupils challenge stereotypes and build friendships

Case Study

Black History Month in UK schools

Black History poster with diverse figures, each paired with an inspirational action. Colourful blocks display words like "Lead like Harriet" and "Dream like Martin."
A school display during Black History Month
  • Black History Month takes place every October in the UK

  • Schools use it to recognise and celebrate the contributions of Black people to British history and society

How it promotes diversity and mutual understanding

  • Pupils learn about Black historical figures, role models, and achievements

  • Lessons explore topics such as migration, equality and civil rights

  • Helps challenge stereotypes and increase understanding of different experiences

How it supports integration and community cohesion

  • Activities are shared by pupils from all backgrounds

  • Encourages discussion, respect and empathy in the classroom

  • Helps pupils feel valued and included within the school community

Impact

  • Greater awareness of diversity and inequality

  • Improved attitudes towards different cultures and backgrounds

  • Stronger sense of belonging and respect among pupils

In the wider community

  • Community groups and youth organisations

    • Bring people from different backgrounds together through shared activities

  • Local council and charity projects

    • Support integration through language classes, advice services and events

  • Volunteering and social action

    • Encourages cooperation, empathy and shared responsibility

Case Study

The Scouts (UK)

Three children in scout uniforms, wearing yellow and red neckerchiefs, are pulling a rope in a tug-of-war, showing determined expressions.
Scouts take part in group challenges
  • The Scouts is a national youth organisation whose mission is to help young people develop skills for life while promoting respect, equality and community involvement

How it encourages mutual understanding

  • The Scouts brings together young people from different cultural, religious and social backgrounds

    • Members work in mixed groups on activities and challenges, encouraging teamwork and cooperation

    • The organisation promotes shared values such as respect, tolerance and helping others

    • Volunteering and community service activities help members understand different experiences and viewpoints

Impact

  • Young people develop greater tolerance and respect for others

  • Friendships are formed across different backgrounds

  • Members gain a stronger sense of belonging and community responsibility

Diversity and integration in society

  • Diversity means having a range of different backgrounds and identities within society

    • Differences include ethnicity, religion, culture, language, age, gender and beliefs

  • The UK is a diverse society, especially in large cities

    • For example, London and Leicester have residents from many ethnic and religious backgrounds

  • Diversity strengthens democracy

    • It encourages different viewpoints and ideas

    • It helps people learn from others and challenges stereotypes

Integration

  • Integration means people from different backgrounds living and working together

    • Migrants and minority groups take part in education, work and community life

    • Shared laws, values and institutions help people feel included

  • Examples of integration

    • Children from different backgrounds attending the same schools

    • Workplaces with diverse staff working together

    • English language classes helping new arrivals participate fully

  • Integration supports democracy

    • People are more likely to vote, volunteer and follow the law if they feel included

Community cohesion

  • Community cohesion means people getting along well, feeling a sense of belonging and sharing common values

  • It is based on

    • Mutual respect

    • Trust between different groups

    • Fair treatment and equality

  • Good community cohesion reduces

    • Conflict and tension

    • Prejudice and discrimination

  • It strengthens democracy

    • Communities are more stable, cooperative and engaged

Case Study

Community cohesion in Leicester

Busy street at night adorned with festive lights, trailing car lights, traffic signals, and orange cones line the road; pedestrians on the pavement.
Leicester's famous Diwali celebrations
  • Leicester is one of the most diverse cities in the UK

    • No single ethnic group is a majority

    • Many religions are practiced, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism

How community cohesion is promoted

  • The city council supports community events and cultural festivals, such as Diwali celebrations

  • Schools promote respect and understanding through education about different cultures

  • Community organisations encourage dialogue and cooperation between groups

Impact

  • Leicester is often seen as an example of peaceful multicultural living

    • Different communities feel represented and included

    • High levels of cooperation help maintain social stability

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Lisa Eades

Author: Lisa Eades

Expertise: Business Content Creator

Lisa has taught A Level, GCSE, BTEC and IBDP Business for over 20 years and is a senior Examiner for Edexcel. Lisa has been a successful Head of Department in Kent and has offered private Business tuition to students across the UK. Lisa loves to create imaginative and accessible resources which engage learners and build their passion for the subject.

Steve Vorster

Reviewer: Steve Vorster

Expertise: Economics & Business Subject Lead

Steve has taught A Level, GCSE, IGCSE Business and Economics - as well as IBDP Economics and Business Management. He is an IBDP Examiner and IGCSE textbook author. His students regularly achieve 90-100% in their final exams. Steve has been the Assistant Head of Sixth Form for a school in Devon, and Head of Economics at the world's largest International school in Singapore. He loves to create resources which speed up student learning and are easily accessible by all.