CONTEMPORARY DEBATES AND EDUCATION FOR RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY

Abstract

In recent decades, the issue of diversity has become central to academic, social and political debates, highlighting the need to integrate different identities and cultures in the various spheres of society. Education, as the main means of forming critical individuals and participatory citizens, faces the challenge of adapting its pedagogical practices to promote respect for diversity in its multiple manifestations, including gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality and disability. Schools play a crucial role in building an inclusive environment and combating prejudice, with Brazilian legislation, such as the National Curricular Guidelines for the Education of Ethnic-Racial Relations, seeking to ensure respect for the identities of marginalized groups. However, structural and cultural barriers still impede the effective implementation of these guidelines. This study aims to analyze educational practices that promote respect for diversity in Brazilian schools, identifying public policies, investigating teachers' and students' perceptions and proposing pedagogical strategies. The research is justified by the social and educational importance of the topic, considering the need for practices that combat prejudice and prepare teachers to deal with diversity issues. The conclusion reaffirms the relevance of a systemic approach to transform school dynamics, emphasizing the need for coordinated action between schools, families, communities and public authorities to build a more inclusive and democratic society.