Defining diversity in global higher education: To whom does it refer and why does it matter?
Universities have symbolized inclusion and social mobility since World War II, with "diversity" now firmly established as a cultural and institutional value in global higher education. However, despite its widespread presence, diversity remains an ambiguous and contested concept. Questions about whom the term encompasses and the values or benefits it offers continue to provoke debate. This paper examines the varying definitions and justifications underpinning the diversity frameworks adopted by universities in Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and India.