What is Cultural Diversity? Cultural Diversity is  the existence of a variety of cultural or ethnic groups within a society.  Cultural diversity supports the idea that every person can make a unique and positive contribution to the larger society because of, rather than in spite of, their differences. ​ As a social worker I will more likely encounter ideas, beliefs or traditions I am unfamiliar with.  Cultural competence allows me to navigate through those differences to help clients overcome barriers to obtaining services to address their needs.