We say that there is a variety of something when different options, objects or beings are presented, so it is an eminently quantitative concept. The idea of variety is synonymous with diversity and plurality. At the same time, variety is opposed to uniformity and homogeneity.
Variety as a positive
In general, the fact that there is variety is valued as something favorable. If we are going to buy from a supermarket, we consider the widest possible variety of products to be positive. The same happens when we go to a restaurant and consult the menu or when we intend to buy a vehicle. Our decisions when consuming are favored if there is a wide range of products or services. The opposite situation is the monopoly, something that does not favor the consumer, nor the competition in the market and neither the final prices that we must pay.
Another aspect that, in principle, can be valued as positive is cultural diversity. Thus, an open and plural society offers a variety of options of all kinds, which opens the range of possibilities. On the other hand, in a closed and homogeneous society there is an obvious limitation when it comes to offering cultural, leisure or any other alternatives.
The idea of variety is associated with another, freedom. If we have freedom we can create alternatives and new proposals and, consequently, this causes a diversification that benefits our ability to choose.
Variety as unwanted
From a psychological point of view, not all individuals positively value diversity in any of its forms. Some consider it a problem or a threat. For example, a religious fanatic is very likely to not see with good eyes that there is religious freedom in society, considering that it is a departure from the authentic faith. If someone has a monopoly on a product in a locality, it is more than likely that they will reject the introduction into the market of those products that make them compete.
There are those who consider variety to be a problem, since it makes our choice difficult. In this sense, for some the excess of possibilities creates a certain anxiety (if I have to choose between two things I have a dilemma but if I have to choose between a hundred it is very possible that I am lost and confused). On the other hand, those who see diversity as a problem look at its disadvantages and not the positive aspects (for example, for some democracy is an imperfect system because it allows all kinds of ideologies, even those that are not democratic).
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