Final answer:
The difficulty in becoming more diverse stems from social, economic, political, and cultural barriers, in addition to the natural human tendency towards homophily, all of which result in reduced exposure to different perspectives and decreased economic growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Factors making it difficult to become more diverse include social, political, economic, and cultural aspects that create wide gaps between different groups. One key factor is barriers to equitable participation in fields such as science and technology, which have historically been unwelcoming to women and people of color. Cultural and linguistic losses, such as those experienced by Indigenous peoples and minorities, are also significant issues. Moreover, homophily, the tendency of individuals to associate and bond with similar others, limits the exposure to diversity, creating homogenous groups that lack different perspectives.
The economic impact of this lack of diversity is considerable. Economist Lisa D. Cook estimates that GDP could be as much as 4.4% higher if there were full participation in the science and technology innovation process by underrepresented groups. Beyond economic growth, diversity fosters a positive work environment and encourages new perspectives, which enhances innovation and social well-being.