9 Ways To Build A More Inclusive Society
The world becomes more diverse and interconnected by the day. That’s why societies must be more inclusive to accommodate the rich diversity and help each group reach its full potential.
Author:James PierceReviewer:Paolo ReynaSep 10, 20233.5K Shares153.6K Views
The world becomes more diverse and interconnected by the day. That’s why societies must be more inclusive to accommodate the rich diversity and help each group reach its full potential. Studies into social inclusionhighlight the many benefits it offers societies, including improved employment outcomes, poverty reduction, greater access to education and opportunities, and a decrease in inequality, among other benefits. Inclusivity ensures everyone has a fair chance to contribute and participate in society, regardless of identity, ability, and background. Here are some effective ways to build a more inclusive society.
Refer To People In A Respectful Manner
Regardless of your social status or financial standing, it’s important to remember that everyone else deserves as much respect as you. So, keep a cordial tone when talking to others, especially those with lesser achievements than yourself. Showing respect does not make you any less or more superior to the other person. It’s a massive sign of humility, which draws people to you and makes it easier for you to earn their respect. In other words, it’s easier for others to respect you when you do the same to them. An inclusive society is one where everyone respects each other despite their differences.
Promote Education For All
Education is one of the key ways to promote inclusivity. Thankfully, studies show that societies are becoming more open to inclusive education, with 73%of people open to including children with disabilities. But that’s only one segment, as inclusive education means ensuring that quality education is accessible to everyone - socio-economic backgrounds, gender, and race should not become excluding factors. Promoting education for everyone also involves making scholarship opportunities available, reducing education costs, and making learning environments safer.
Combat Discrimination And Bias
You may not encounter people being discriminated against daily, but when you do, please stop to help. It’s important to identify and combat any form of discrimination and bias in the community to create an inclusive society. For example, you can intervene if you notice someone unjustly refused service. In cases where you cannot intervene, you can help raise awareness or draw the attention of others who can help. You can also help raise awareness about stereotypes and unconscious bias.
Play Your Part In Reducing Prejudice
Reducing prejudice is also important in building a more inclusive society. While this requires a multifaceted approach above the line, you can do your part as an individual. Actively seek to educate yourself about different cultures, experiences, and backgrounds. It’s easier this way to be more accommodating to others and help build a more inclusive society. Engage in open and respectful conversations with people from different backgrounds to learn more about them, expand your views, challenge your biases, and develop empathy.
Also, don’t hesitate to speak out against prejudice wherever you encounter it, whether at the workplace, school, or church. You'll be surprised how easily this occurs, even in churches that are supposed to embrace inclusivity. Some churches, for example, have a history embedded in racism, which has caused racial discrimination and prejudice. You can check out articles such as are Mormons racistfor historical insight into the topic.
Encourage Open Discussion Of Differences
Following the previous point, it’s important to encourage open discussions and appreciation of differences. Today, politics is creating a massive schism in societies and even among families, pitting people against others. Many feel pressured to stay mute for fear of offending others regarding politics, religion, and other sensitive topics. Aligning with a different political party does not make one group of people inferior to others. An inclusive society is one in which people are not afraid to show their preference for a political idea or religion and openly speak with others about it.
Design Accessible Communities
Older adults also deserve social inclusivity, especially those with disabilities that make having a social life difficult. Most elderly people face the prospects of vision, mobility, or hearing disabilities, meaning they’ll mostly have difficulties accessing facilities in the community. It makes sense to design communities accessible to the aging population. Residences, commercial buildings, and public buildings should be barrier-free. Even more importantly, buildings should have entrances for older people with physical disabilities like everyone else. Creating separate entrances for the physically challenged is just another way of making them feel separated from society.
Create Inclusive Environments In Workplaces
Many offices and working environments unknowingly discriminate by not hiring certain people because of physical disabilities. Many business owners feel that hiring physically disabled people means investing in creating accessible environments for them, which may be costly. But the truth is that hiring people with disabilities (as long as they qualify for positions) adds to a positive company reputation, which can indirectly translate into improved sales. It’s also much easier to attract the best talent with a more inclusive work environment. That could improve work productivity and impact business revenue.
Be More Willing To Help Others
For many, going through the day minding their own business is the only way to live. They walk past people without opening the door for a stranger, helping a disabled cross the street, or assisting an aged person with heavy luggage. Of course, being willing to help others does not necessarily mean going out of your way to look for opportunities to help. It only means sparing a moment to assist those you encounter in your day who need help. For example, if you notice someone in a wheelchair struggling to exit a building, you can help by giving them the push they need.
Encourage Representation In Leadership Positions
There are many cases of women and disabled people underrepresented in leadership positions, especially in government work. While you may not have the power to appoint people to leadership positions, you can encourage the underrepresented to apply for such positions. You can even play a greater role by throwing your vote behind such people where it matters. Again, it would be best to ensure that anyone you support or encourage qualifies to be in a leadership position. The goal here is not to push just anyone into leadership positions but to encourage those who qualify to take up those positions.
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James Pierce
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Paolo Reyna
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