The idea that acceptance is essential for inclusion has been a central part of social justice movements for decades.
It would be an oversimplification to say that acceptance can be equated with belonging or inclusion. While being accepted may seem like a necessary condition for inclusion, there are important nuances that need to be taken into consideration. In this article, I will explore how these concepts differ psychologically, what makes them unique, and why they cannot simply be used interchangeably.
Acceptance refers to the willingness to tolerate someone or something that differs from one's own beliefs, values, attitudes, or behaviors. It involves acknowledging the presence of differences without necessarily agreeing with or accepting them. Acceptance does not require active participation or engagement, but rather passive recognition of another person's existence.
A group of friends may accept a new member who has different political views than their own, but they do not have to change their own opinions to accommodate those differences.
Inclusion goes beyond mere acceptance. Inclusion implies an active effort to integrate and involve individuals who are perceived as different from the majority. This requires more than just recognizing their existence; it means actively seeking out opportunities for them to participate in decision-making processes, events, or activities. Inclusion also involves creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and appreciated for their individual qualities and contributions.
Another key difference between acceptance and inclusion lies in the degree of commitment required. Acceptance is often seen as a one-time action, while inclusion requires ongoing efforts and investments. To truly include someone, one must be open to learning about their background, experiences, and needs and take steps to address any barriers to their full participation.
When a company hires a disabled employee, inclusion would mean providing accessible workspaces, offering accommodations such as special equipment or flexible hours, and ensuring equal opportunities for advancement within the organization.
Acceptance can sometimes come at the expense of belonging. People may feel accepted by others who are different from themselves, but still experience feelings of isolation and exclusion due to their unique identities. True belongingness requires feeling like you belong somewhere because of your identity, not despite it. Belonging comes with recognition, acknowledgment, and celebration of your particular attributes and talents. It is about being valued for what makes you unique rather than simply tolerated for fitting into a group.
Acceptance and inclusion may seem similar, but they differ psychologically in several ways. While acceptance implies passive tolerance, inclusion demands active engagement and investment.
True belonging cannot be achieved through mere acceptance, but instead requires appreciation and celebration of one's uniqueness.
How does the societal discourse around “acceptance†differ psychologically from genuine inclusion and belonging?
The societal discourse around acceptance differs from genuine inclusion and belonging by focusing on superficial differences rather than deep similarities and common human experiences. Societal discourse often emphasizes external characteristics such as race, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, and socioeconomic status while minimizing internal attributes like values, beliefs, attitudes, and personality traits.