Introduction

Inclusion, a term that has gained significant attention in recent years, is not a new concept. The idea of creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected has been around for centuries. From the early days of the civil rights movement to the present day, the concept of inclusion has evolved significantly. In this blog post, we will explore the development history of inclusion, from its early beginnings to the current state of affairs.

The concept of inclusion is essential in today’s society, where diversity is becoming increasingly prominent. According to a study by McKinsey, companies that are more diverse and inclusive are 35% more likely to outperform their less diverse peers (1). However, despite its importance, many organizations and communities struggle to create an inclusive environment.

The Early Days of Inclusion (1950s-1980s)

The modern concept of inclusion was born out of the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. The movement, led by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., fought for the equal rights of African Americans and other marginalized groups. During this period, the concept of inclusion was primarily focused on racial equality and social justice.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the concept of inclusion expanded to include other marginalized groups, such as women, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. The women’s liberation movement and the disability rights movement, among others, pushed for greater inclusion and equality.

According to a report by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, the number of reported hate crimes increased by 17% between 2016 and 2017 (2). This highlights the ongoing need for inclusion and social justice efforts.

Inclusion in Education (1990s-2000s)

The 1990s and 2000s saw a significant shift in the concept of inclusion, particularly in education. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1990 and the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, among other legislation, pushed for greater inclusion of students with disabilities and from diverse backgrounds.

During this period, the concept of inclusive education gained prominence. Inclusive education refers to the practice of teaching students of different abilities, cultures, and backgrounds together in the same classroom.

According to a study by the National Center for Education Statistics, the percentage of students with disabilities in the United States increased from 11% in 1990 to 14% in 2017 (3). This highlights the need for inclusive education practices.

Inclusion in the Workplace (2010s-present)

In recent years, the concept of inclusion has expanded to include the workplace. Companies such as Google, Apple, and Microsoft have implemented diversity and inclusion initiatives to create a more inclusive work environment.

According to a report by Glassdoor, 67% of job seekers consider diversity and inclusion when evaluating job offers (4). This highlights the importance of inclusion in the workplace.

The concept of inclusion has also expanded to include other areas, such as healthcare, government, and community development. The Affordable Care Act of 2010, for example, expanded healthcare access to millions of Americans, including those from marginalized communities.

The Future of Inclusion

As we move forward, the concept of inclusion will continue to evolve. Emerging trends, such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality, will require us to rethink what it means to be inclusive.

According to a report by the World Economic Forum, by 2022, 75 million jobs will be displaced by automation, while 133 million new roles will emerge (5). This highlights the need for inclusive education and training programs.

In conclusion, the concept of inclusion has come a long way since its early beginnings in the civil rights movement. From education to the workplace, inclusion is essential in creating a more equitable and just society.

We would love to hear from you. What do you think is the most pressing issue when it comes to inclusion? How can we create a more inclusive environment in our communities and workplaces? Leave a comment below and let’s continue the conversation.

References:

(1) McKinsey. (2015). Why diversity matters.

(2) U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. (2018). Hate crime laws: A comprehensive guide.

(3) National Center for Education Statistics. (2020). Digest of Education Statistics 2019.

(4) Glassdoor. (2020). Diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

(5) World Economic Forum. (2018). The Future of Jobs Report 2018.