Social inclusion is an approach that promotes equality, opportunity, and participation to all members of society regardless of their background, beliefs, race, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, socioeconomic status, religion, or any other characteristic. It involves creating policies and practices that allow individuals from different backgrounds to participate fully in social, political, economic, cultural, and civic life.
Marginalization occurs when certain groups are excluded from these activities due to their characteristics such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disability. In this context, multiple identities refer to people who identify themselves with more than one category that has been historically oppressed or discriminated against. These categories may include but are not limited to age, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, disability, immigration status, socioeconomic status, education level, and geographic location.
The goal of social inclusion is to ensure that everyone has access to resources and opportunities, and no one is left behind because of their identity.
A transgender person with a physical disability faces multiple barriers compared to a heterosexual cisgender abled person. They experience discrimination based on their gender identity and physical ability, which makes it difficult for them to access employment, healthcare services, and public facilities. Social inclusion can help reduce these barriers by providing equal opportunities and eliminating prejudices that make it difficult for people to engage in normal activities without fear of being judged or discriminated against.
One way to achieve social inclusion is through affirmative action programs that promote diversity in the workplace, school, government, and other institutions. The program provides equal opportunity for all members of society to participate and contribute to decision-making processes regardless of their identity. It also requires organizations to hire employees based on merit rather than personal characteristics, create policies that protect individuals from discrimination, and provide supportive environments for people from marginalized groups.
Another way to foster social inclusion is by creating awareness campaigns that educate the community about the importance of respecting diversity and promoting tolerance. Campaigns such as 'It gets better' and 'We the People' aim to encourage acceptance and appreciation of differences in society, thus reducing stigma and stereotypes associated with certain identities. These campaigns also inform people about the challenges faced by marginalized communities and ways to overcome them.
The 'It Gets Better Project' encourages LGBTQ+ youth to stay strong when they encounter harassment and violence because they are different, while 'We the People' promotes civic participation among immigrants and refugees.
Social inclusion also entails breaking down structural barriers that prevent access to resources and opportunities. This includes addressing systematic barriers such as poverty, lack of education, poor infrastructure, and discriminatory laws and policies that make it difficult for certain groups to access healthcare, housing, employment, and political representation. By providing quality education, affordable healthcare, and accessible public facilities, individuals from all backgrounds can participate fully in society without fear of being excluded due to their identity.
Social inclusion reduces barriers for people with multiple marginalized identities by creating equal opportunities, eliminating prejudices, raising awareness, and removing structural barriers. It empowers these individuals to participate fully in society and contribute to its development, which benefits everyone. Therefore, governments, institutions, organizations, and individuals should promote social inclusion by embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity.
How does social inclusion reduce barriers for people with multiple marginalized identities?
Inclusiveness can be defined as the process of integrating individuals from diverse backgrounds into a particular group, community, or environment (Wagenaar & Watts, 2014). It is often associated with reducing prejudice, discrimination, and exclusionary practices that may hinder participation in society.