Belonging as a core construct at the heart of the inclusion debate, discourse, and practice

Kelly-Ann Allen, Christopher Boyle, Umesh Sharma, Lefteris Patlamazoglou, Panagiotis Pentaris, Christine Grové, Hannah Yared, Emily Berger, Nicholas Gamble, Zoe A. Morris, Ilana Finefter-Rosenbluh, Michele Morgan, Fiona May

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (Book)Researchpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

This chapter intends to present a new and novel perspective on inclusion and argue that inclusion can never be truly achieved without the presence of belonging. Both belonging and inclusion are linked to positive academic outcomes and general well-being of students. Belonging is described as a subjective and dynamic feeling while the definition of inclusion varies among different discourses. The aim of this chapter is to discuss the role of belonging to inclusion particularly among marginalised populations and groups. It highlights the usefulness of assessing an individual’s belonging as a true measure for inclusion and its importance as a social and ethical obligation. This chapter further explains that belonging is a vital component to inclusion, equity, and diversity. The chapter concludes with a conceptual model that has implications for future discourse and research.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationResearch for Inclusive Quality Education
Subtitle of host publicationLeveraging Belonging, Inclusion, and Equity
EditorsChristopher Boyle, Kelly-Ann Allen
Place of PublicationSingapore Singapore
PublisherSpringer
Chapter21
Pages271-288
Number of pages18
Edition1st
ISBN (Electronic)9789811659089
ISBN (Print)9789811659072
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Publication series

NameSustainable Development Goals Series
PublisherSpringer
ISSN (Print)2523-3084
ISSN (Electronic)2523-3092

Keywords

  • Belonging
  • Inclusion
  • Equity
  • Diversity
  • Education

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