Social Inclusion: What It Is & Why It Matters So Much
Social inclusion refers to the continuous efforts to honour everyone’s part in society. The concept of social inclusion is rooted in basic social justice, which operates on the notion that discrimination and oppression largely dictate human behaviour.
Social inclusion encapsulates the importance of living in a "society for all." When people feel valued, they have more opportunities, and the world ultimately becomes a better and safe place.
At Boreal Therapy Collective, our team is passionate about delivering mental health care that is socially inclusive and just. In this post, we offer some steps you can take to build a more inclusive Fort McMurray (and, generally speaking, a more inclusive world).
How Do You Promote Social Inclusion In Daily Life?
Social inclusion does require macro-level change, but you can make a difference through your daily intentions and interactions. This applies no matter who you are or which resources you have available to you. Here are some tips to consider:
Use Respectful And Inclusive Language
Words undoubtedly matter. Using the wrong words is a surefire way to alienate people or create a hostile environment.
Try not to assume someone will tell you when you're being offensive. You should strive to consciously aim to be respectful in all conversations, even when you don't fully know someone else's experiences. Inclusive language can start by:
Asking people about their preferred pronouns and using gender-neutral language when speaking in general terms
Avoiding assuming someone's sexual orientation ("do you have a girlfriend?")
Learning and stopping the use of common phrases often rooted in racist or ableist ideologies ("that's so crazy!" or "this place looks so ghetto")
Avoiding language that perpetuates harmful stereotypes ("he's so sensitive for a boy," "she's so manly")
Recognize Your Own Biases
We're all shaped by unconscious value systems that influence how we think about other people. These value systems can be so ingrained that you aren't aware of them.
However, you can be more mindful of these biases when you meet with people different from you. Consider asking yourself, What expectations do I have of this person? What limits might I believe this person has? How do I expect this person will act in a given situation?
You very likely hold automatic assumptions about someone's body, sexual orientation, or race altogether. This doesn't make you a bad person, but social inclusion means you recognize those assumptions and change how you act on them.
Remember that stereotypes damage everyone. By nature, they are limiting, and they reduce people to specific behaviours or patterns. In reality, humans are far more complex and nuanced than any stereotype can ever account for.
Challenge Discrimination When You Face It
It's not enough to discount prejudices in your mind. If someone is being racist, homophobic, sexist, or exhibiting any other form of oppression, you need to address it.
Calling in refers to bringing attention to harmful words or behaviour on an individual or small group basis. Calling out refers to drawing public attention to an organization's harmful words or behaviour. Both strategies aim to break discrimination cycles and foster safer and more inclusive spaces.
Tough conversations can feel scary. But if you want to ensure equal opportunities in our communities, you need to be willing to have this essential dialogue. Keep in mind that people may react defensively, and that speaks more about them than you. Be mindful of staying friends with people who aren't willing to correct their problematic behaviour.
Continue Educating Yourself
Nobody inherently owes you an education about their unique situation. But there are infinite books, articles, and social media pages that promote social inclusion and talk about pertinent issues affecting disadvantaged groups.
Education also comes in the form of building a diverse peer group. Consider what your own social life looks like. Do you spend time with people who look, act, and think differently from you? If not, you may need to expand your influence. The more diversity you embrace, the more education you obtain.
Honour Your Growth Process
Inclusivity is an ongoing effort that requires active participation. You don't just become inclusive like it's some catch-all destination.
You continue striving for inclusive growth within every facet of a community. You will likely make mistakes along the way, and that's why being open to learning and integrating feedback is so essential.
Be Mindful of Your Privilege
Having privilege means you have an inherent advantage in certain groups. Privilege allows for more social inclusion, and it also enhances your opportunities for critical social and economic participation.
Thinking about your privilege may feel uncomfortable, but ignoring it only promotes social exclusion. If you value people having access to equal opportunities, you must be willing to address the inherent inequality that exists in all areas of life.
Moreover, striving for an inclusive society means using your privilege to be proactive and help others. You can't help your own advantages, but you can work through this privilege by harnessing your power to acknowledge discrepancies, dismantle broken systems, and advocate for the people who need the most support.
What If You're Experiencing Social Exclusion?
Structural exclusion can have devastating effects on both individual and societal levels. When the playing field is grossly unequal, it only widens the gap of who benefits most in society.
Not having equal access to resources can also exacerbate mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. Your well-being is largely contingent on feeling safe in society. When that feels compromised, the idea of having a better life may seem insulting or completely out of touch.
At Boreal Therapy Collective, our practice is rooted in social justice and inclusivity. We understand how a lack of equal opportunities impacts social integration and affects access to even the most basic services. Boreal Therapy Collective is proudly a PrideYMM Rainbow Space and we are committed to understanding our place of privilege as therapists, and as individuals. We commit to continue striving for social inclusion in everything we do.
If you are the parent of a child or teen in need of support, or are an adult seeking mental health care, we are here for you.
If you’re ready to start therapy with us, you can book your initial assessment here.
