Social Imaginaries and Inclusion

Synonyms

Exclusion; Inclusion; Inclusive learning environment; Inclusive schools; Neoliberalism

Introduction

The main goal of this entry is to introduce inclusion as a sociological concept consistent with which exclusion is an internal part of inclusion. When exclusion is the basis of inclusion, the establishment of communities will always involve both inclusion and exclusion processes. Similarly, the development of inclusive schools and inclusive learning environments will involve both inclusion and exclusion processes.

With this starting point, international educational research knowledge about inclusive schools and inclusive learning environments in general will be related to the fundamental dilemma that inclusion on the one hand may be seen to be about human rights, solidarity, and democracy, and on the other hand, it is about ensuring the cohesion of neoliberal society by means of every person’s obligation to realize one’s potential through learning, development, and education...