General Terms:
* Diversity: This is the most common and broad term, encompassing all the ways people are different.
* Variation: This emphasizes the existence of differences, without necessarily implying any value judgment.
* Disparity: This focuses on the differences in outcomes or experiences between groups.
* Heterogeneity: This emphasizes the variety and complexity of differences.
Specific Terms:
* Culture: This refers to differences in beliefs, values, customs, and traditions.
* Ethnicity: This refers to differences in shared cultural heritage, ancestry, and language.
* Race: This refers to differences in physical characteristics, often used to categorize people into social groups.
* Gender: This refers to differences in biological sex and/or social roles and identities.
* Sexuality: This refers to differences in sexual orientation and identity.
* Ability: This refers to differences in physical or cognitive abilities.
* Socioeconomic status: This refers to differences in wealth, education, and social standing.
The best word to use will depend on the specific context and the type of difference you are referring to.