What is Inclusion?
Inclusion is a social justice concept that refers to creating an environment where every person feels valued and has equal access to opportunities regardless of their differences. It involves ensuring that all individuals have equal access to resources, services, programs, and decision-making processes without discrimination based on factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, etc. Therefore, inclusion includes but is not limited to physical accessibility, accommodations for people with different needs, fair representation in leadership positions, equal pay and promotions, diversity training, respectful communication, and cultural competency. It goes beyond mere tolerance or acceptance to create an inclusive society where everyone can participate fully and feel welcomed.
The Military as an Example
The military is often cited as an example of inclusion because it embraces diversity and provides equal opportunities for service members from various backgrounds.
This perception may be misleading since many obstacles still prevent LGBTQ+ people, women, minorities, and persons with disabilities from serving openly and receiving adequate treatment within the military ranks. Historically, these groups have faced discrimination, homophobia, sexism, racism, and ableism. Even today, they experience microaggressions, discriminatory policies, and negative stereotypes that limit their participation in combat and non-combat roles.
Transgender people cannot serve openly unless they suppress their identity and conform to binary standards of masculinity or femininity. Similarly, people with HIV/AIDS are barred from enlisting despite having the skills and qualifications needed. This exclusion perpetuates a culture of prejudice and denies them meaningful inclusion.
Equality vs. Illusion of Acceptance
Inclusion should not be confused with equality. Inclusion seeks to provide equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of their differences. It involves creating a safe space where everyone feels accepted and supported without judgment. On the other hand, equality implies treating all people equally under the law but does not guarantee equal outcomes. Therefore, although women, LGBTQ+ people, and people of color can now serve in the military, they face structural challenges such as unequal pay, harassment, sexual violence, and cultural biases that undermine their contributions. These obstacles suggest that inclusion is more than just an illusion of acceptance because it requires deliberate efforts to eliminate institutionalized oppression and promote inclusive policies and practices.
Inclusion in the armed forces goes beyond mere tolerance or acceptance since it necessitates active steps towards eliminating discrimination and promoting fairness. The military must embrace diversity, foster respectful relationships, and create a culture that values all service members' contributions. Achieving this goal will require concerted efforts by leaders, policymakers, and every individual who believes in true inclusion.
Is inclusion in the armed forces a measure of equality or an illusion of acceptance?
Although many countries have begun to open their military branches to women, LGBTQ+ people, and other groups that were previously excluded from service, it is still true that there are significant cultural barriers to entry for these groups within the armed forces. While the presence of inclusivity policies may be considered a symbolic gesture toward equity, it does not necessarily guarantee full participation or acceptance among all members of society.