Institutional exclusion is a term used to describe the systemic barriers that prevent certain groups from participating fully in society. These barriers can take many forms, including legal, economic, political, and social. Queer students are one such group that has faced significant institutional exclusion throughout history. In this article, we will explore how institutional exclusion has affected their education and self-esteem in the long term.
Impact on Education
The educational system is designed to cater to the majority population, which means queer students may face more challenges than their peers.
They may be forced to hide their identity or risk being outed if they come out. This can lead to feelings of isolation and marginalization, making it harder for them to focus on their studies.
Some schools have policies that explicitly discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals, such as banning same-sex relationships or gender-nonconforming clothing. This can create an unwelcoming environment where queer students feel uncomfortable and unsafe. As a result, they may struggle academically and drop out early, leading to lower academic attainment rates compared to straight peers.
Impact on Self-Esteem
In addition to academic impacts, institutional exclusion can also harm queer students' self-esteem. When they experience constant rejection and discrimination, it can erode their sense of self-worth. They may begin to question their place in the world and doubt themselves, leading to depression and anxiety. This can make it difficult to thrive in any area of life, not just school. It can also lead to higher rates of substance abuse, suicide, and other mental health issues.
Institutional exclusion creates a negative cycle that harms queer students in multiple ways.
Solutions
There are steps that educators and policymakers can take to address these issues. Schools should implement inclusive policies that welcome all identities and support queer students. This includes allowing them to express themselves freely, providing resources like safe spaces and counseling services, and fostering an inclusive culture through diversity training. Policies should also be updated to reflect modern values and attitudes towards sexuality and gender.
There must be more research on the long-term effects of institutional exclusion so we can better understand how to prevent it from happening in the future.
What are the long-term impacts of institutional exclusion on queer students' educational attainment and self-esteem?
Institutional exclusion has numerous long-term effects on queer students' educational attainment and self-esteem that can negatively affect their mental health and academic performance. Research suggests that these effects include increased stress levels, anxiety, depression, feelings of isolation, lowered self-confidence, and decreased motivation (Garnette et al. , 2017).