A linguistic diversion

 diverse – adjective. widely varied.
 diversity – noun. the state of being diverse > a diverse range; a variety.
 diversify – verb. make or become more diverse > (of a company) enlarge or vary its range of products or field of operation.

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 different – adjective. not the same as another; different in nature, form or quality.
differentia – noun. a distinguishing mark or characteristic.
differentiate – verb. 1 recognise or identify as different; distinguish > cause to appear different or distinct. 2 technical make or become different in the course of growth or development.
DERIVATIVES differentiation n. differentiator n.

Primary emphases
Diversity – passive, a state of being, achieved, but not necessarily static
Differentiation – active, derived from the verb to differentiate, ongoing

Diversity
Dissimilarity, variety, difference, multiplicity, creativity, divergence, biodiversity, multiculturalism, mixed

Differentiation
Variation, distinction, discrimination, discernment, judgement, perception/ appreciation of difference
To distinguish, recognise, identify, separate, sift, draw a fine line, separate chaff from wheat

Diversity
+ pole - pole
Non-hierarchical Indiscriminate
Internal development Absence of value judgements
Natural / organic evolution Levelling
Postmodern Postmodern

Differentiation
+ pole - pole
Hierarchical Hierarchies of value/ distinctions of purpose
Judgement – making appropriate distinctions
Goal / purpose driven
Inequality
State control/ interference
Traditional External imposition

 Both words have negative and positive meanings or implications associated with them
 Diversity may be understood as a desired or achieved state characterised by variety
 Differentiation may be understood as the purposeful means to achieve the desired state of diversity through the active exercise of judgement