Leadership and Diversity Challenging Theory and Practice in Education

'The authors should be congratulated for tackling the crucial topic of diversity within educational leadership....the book makes a major contribution to the small but emergent body of studies in this area' - Journal of Educational Administration & History

'This book sets out a central aim of stimulating reflection on diversity and implications for leaders in education. It also aims to support the development of practice. It is a useful book for those involved in educational management and for policy makers at all levels' - ESCalate

'The authors challenge the reader to reconsider leadership theory in light of notions of social justice and diversity, and to put into place newly articulated frameworks for action...The text is richly supported by strong empirical research and a sometimes-intricate philosophical approach in making its case for justice and fairness in education and beyond' - Choice Magazine

As society becomes increasingly diverse, there is significant international awareness in education about how this impacts on leaders and leadership. For decades the emphasis has been placed on increasing the number of leaders with specific attributes, such as women or those from ethnic minorities, to encourage a true representation of society. This far-reaching book takes a wider view, challenging the reader to recognise the importance of diversity issues and to embed diversity as central within leadership theory and practice.

Drawing on their extensive research the authors establish a clear understanding of what diversity means and use this to develop a distinct approach to conceiving leadership, preparing leaders and acting as leaders. They explain how diversity should be a holistic issue which touches every aspect of leadership and is vital to ensuring effective and appropriate leadership for education in pluralist societies. The authors explore the history of approaches to addressing inequities in access to leadership positions and the experience of leadership, from equal opportunities, to diversity and inclusion, to capabilities approaches.

The book also proposes fundamental and concrete changes that leaders can undertake both in their own and their organisation's practice, to reflect a real commitment to social justice in a diverse society.