Definition of Socially Inclusive
According to noted psychologist Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Human Needs theory, a human being's need to belong in society is third only to a person's physiological and safety needs. Classic social exclusion deprives certain individuals of the basic human need of societal belonging because of circumstance, disability or economic status. Other forms of exclusion are due to race, religious belief, sexual orientation and gender. To be socially inclusive means to take action against social exclusion.
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True Social Inclusion
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True social inclusion sees beyond supposed barriers to unite all individuals as a true humanistic society. Social inclusion embodies a belief that all individuals be able to live, work and play in their communities. Social inclusion makes housing, jobs, recreation, employment, education, health care and other opportunities available for all, regardless of circumstance, disability, race, creed, color, religion, sexual orientation or gender. It values the worth of each individual's knowledge, experience and frame of reference with a goal of building strong communities and societies.
Demonstrating Social Inclusion
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Social inclusion may be demonstrated in a society in a number of ways. Many organizations promote religious inclusion by allowing staff and volunteers flexibility in wearing religious clothing, taking breaks for worship and allowing time off for religious holidays. Atheism has become increasingly present in society; religious tolerance or inclusion means acceptance regardless of an individual's set of religious or nonreligious beliefs. In the United States, racial inclusion began with the 1954 Supreme Court order for the desegregation of schools. An example of inclusion in regard to sexual orientation might be allowing same-sex couples the benefit of maternity/paternity leave when having or adopting a child.
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Inclusion and the Disabled
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Inclusion for the disabled comes in many forms: access to employment, social activities, benefits, housing and education. People with severe physical and cognitive disabilities are prone to extreme under-representation in the labor force. Habilitation centers across the United States work with communities to understand disability and to include these individuals in all aspects of living in the community.
Education Creates Change
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Fear and lack of education play a starring role in social exclusion. For proponents of the social inclusion movement, educating communities about disability, religious, socioeconomic, sexual orientation, race and gender differences is key. Fear of the unknown fosters exclusion, and education about individual and group differences open doors that can change communities and societies. Individuals and groups advocating for social inclusion educate and create public awareness via special events, speaking engagements and the use of written media. Social inclusionists also practice social inclusion, modeling the behavior they want society to emulate.
Embracing Diversity
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Social inclusion embraces the differences of people, rather than excluding individuals because of those differences. Social inclusion insures the diversity of communities, bringing a richness of culture and knowledge to society. Through social inclusion we learn to live, work, play and learn together. Inclusion creates more equitable, higher functioning organizations and helps communities work together toward common goals. This is achieved by recognizing the value of all individuals and their contributions to the society they live in.
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References
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