Kinetic Diversity: Definition, Explanation, and Example in DEI Context
In the realm of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), understanding and addressing Kinetic diversity is crucial. Kinetic diversity is a significant aspect of this discourse, but what exactly does it entail?
Definition:
Kinetic Diversity refers to the inclusion and appreciation of individuals with diverse movement styles, physical mobility, and bodily expressions in all aspects of society—particularly in workplaces, education, and public life. It emphasises recognising and accommodating different ways people physically interact with the world, from those who use wheelchairs or prosthetics to individuals who express themselves through dynamic body language, movement-based communication, or neurodiverse motor behaviors.
Kinetic Diversity in the Context of DEI:
In the broader framework of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), kinetic diversity expands our understanding of inclusivity beyond race, gender, and cognitive abilities. It shines a light on how people move, interact physically, and navigate spaces—both digitally and physically.
Kinetic diversity acknowledges:
- People with physical disabilities or mobility impairments.
- Individuals with conditions like Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, or arthritis.
- Neurodivergent individuals whose movement patterns may differ from societal norms.
- Cultural expressions involving movement, such as dance or gestural communication.
Rather than viewing these differences as limitations, kinetic diversity frames them as valuable forms of human expression and interaction.
Why Kinetic Diversity Matters
- Accessibility is Not One-Size-Fits-All: Kinetic diversity challenges organisations to create universal design environments that consider a range of mobility and movement styles—automatic doors, standing desks, flexible seating, wider walkways, and inclusive dance programs are just the beginning.
- Bias Reduction: Movement-related bias is often unconscious. For instance, people may wrongly assume that a slow-moving colleague is less capable. Recognising kinetic diversity helps challenge stereotypes and foster empathy.
- Enhancing Team Dynamics: Diverse movement patterns can enhance collaboration, especially in fields that require physical interaction or creativity. Dance troupes, physical therapy teams, or even corporate retreats benefit from kinetic awareness and inclusivity.
Example:
A public school district introduced an inclusive dance curriculum that allowed students of all mobility levels to participate using wheelchairs, sign language gestures, or expressive movement. Rather than isolating students with physical disabilities, the program redefined performance norms to center kinetic diversity. This not only fostered belonging but also improved peer relationships and challenged perceptions of physical ability.
How to Promote Kinetic Diversity
- Conduct accessibility audits that include not just wheelchair ramps but also flexible pathways and posture-friendly environments.
- Train staff and leaders on movement-based microaggressions and implicit bias.
- Invite diverse movement professionals (e.g., dancers with disabilities, occupational therapists) to speak or consult.
- Use inclusive language like “movement diversity” or “different mobility needs” in policies and signage.
- Design hybrid spaces that accommodate kinetic differences in both physical and virtual settings.
Conclusion:
Kinetic Diversity is an essential yet often overlooked element of modern DEI efforts. By acknowledging and embracing differences in movement, organisations and communities can build more inclusive, empathetic, and adaptive environments. As society becomes increasingly aware of how physical expression intersects with identity, honoring kinetic diversity becomes not just an option—but a necessity.
References:
Dear, A. J., Michaels, T. C., Meisl, G., Klenerman, D., Wu, S., Perrett, S., … & Knowles, T. P. (2020). Kinetic diversity of amyloid oligomers. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117(22), 12087-12094. https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.1922267117
Kasai, H. (1999). Comparative biology of Ca2+-dependent exocytosis: implications of kinetic diversity for secretory function. Trends in neurosciences, 22(2), 88-93. https://www.cell.com/trends/neurosciences/abstract/S0166-2236(98)01293-4
Coleman, N. V., Mattes, T. E., Gossett, J. M., & Spain, J. C. (2002). Phylogenetic and kinetic diversity of aerobic vinyl chloride-assimilating bacteria from contaminated sites. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 68(12), 6162-6171. https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/aem.68.12.6162-6171.2002
Taylor, I. M., Nesbitt, K. M., Walters, S. H., Varner, E. L., Shu, Z., Bartlow, K. M., … & Michael, A. C. (2015). Kinetic diversity of dopamine transmission in the dorsal striatum. Journal of neurochemistry, 133(4), 522-531. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jnc.13059
Be impressively well informed
Get the very latest research intelligence briefings, video research briefings, infographics and more sent direct to you as they are published
Be the most impressively well-informed and up-to-date person around...