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What is the difference between inclusive and inclusion?

Published in Diversity and Inclusion Terminology 4 mins read

While often used in similar contexts, 'inclusive' and 'inclusion' represent distinct grammatical forms and concepts: 'inclusion' is the noun, referring to the state or act of being included, while 'inclusive' is the adjective, describing something that actively includes all people.


Understanding the Nuances: Inclusive vs. Inclusion

The terms "inclusive" and "inclusion" are fundamental to fostering environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and has opportunities to participate. Although closely related, their precise meanings and applications differ significantly. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effectively designing policies, practices, and cultures that genuinely embrace diversity.

What is Inclusion?

Inclusion is a noun that refers to the state or act of including people. It signifies the successful achievement of an environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, identity, or abilities, are welcomed, belong, and are actively engaged. It's the goal or the desired outcome.

Key aspects of inclusion include:

  • Presence: Ensuring all individuals are present within a given setting. For instance, in education, inclusion is an important step towards making sure all students, regardless of variability, are present in the same classroom.
  • Belonging: Cultivating a sense of acceptance and psychological safety where individuals feel they truly belong.
  • Participation: Facilitating meaningful involvement and contribution from everyone.
  • Equity: Addressing barriers and providing necessary support so all individuals have fair access to opportunities.

Examples of Inclusion in practice:

  • The inclusion of diverse voices in decision-making processes.
  • Promoting the full social inclusion of individuals with disabilities in community life.
  • Achieving greater inclusion of women in leadership roles within a company.

You can learn more about the broader concept of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) from reputable sources.

What Does Inclusive Mean?

Inclusive is an adjective that describes a characteristic, quality, or approach that actively welcomes and accommodates all people. It refers to the methods, policies, practices, or environments that enable inclusion. If something is "inclusive," it possesses the qualities necessary to achieve the state of inclusion.

While "inclusion" and "inclusive practice" are sometimes used interchangeably, true inclusive practice extends beyond simply bringing people together. It involves intentional design and continuous effort to ensure that the environment, policies, and interactions genuinely support belonging and participation for everyone.

Examples of Inclusive characteristics:

  • An inclusive design ensures accessibility for people with varying abilities.
  • An inclusive curriculum reflects diverse perspectives and histories.
  • An inclusive hiring process minimizes bias and offers fair opportunities to all candidates.
  • An inclusive workplace culture fosters psychological safety and respect among employees.

Consider how inclusive education aims to transform education systems to respond to the diversity of students.

Key Differences Summarized

The table below highlights the core distinctions between 'inclusion' and 'inclusive':

Feature Inclusion Inclusive
Part of Speech Noun Adjective
Meaning The state, act, or goal of being included Characterized by including many different people
Focus The outcome; the state of being welcomed/present The means; the quality that enables inclusion
Example Usage We strive for inclusion in our community. Our policies are inclusive of all employees.
Question it Answers What is the end result? What is the goal? How is something designed? What quality does it have?

Beyond Mere Presence: The Depth of True Inclusion

It's vital to recognize that achieving true inclusion goes beyond merely bringing people together. For example, simply having students present in the same classroom is an important step towards inclusion, but an truly inclusive classroom goes further. It means creating an environment where every student's unique needs are met, their voices are heard, and they feel a deep sense of belonging and value.

This requires:

  • Proactive Design: Building systems and environments that are accessible and welcoming from the outset.
  • Adaptability: Being flexible and responsive to diverse needs.
  • Ongoing Dialogue: Continuously listening to and learning from the experiences of all individuals.
  • Systemic Change: Addressing underlying biases and power imbalances that hinder equitable participation.

By focusing on both the state of 'inclusion' as a desired outcome and the 'inclusive' practices required to achieve it, organizations and communities can build truly equitable and welcoming environments.