Social Care or Children’s and Young People’s
Settings
1. Explain what is meant by:
Diversity
Equality
Inclusion
Mean by Diversity the differences between individuals and groups in society arising from gender, ethnic origins, social, cultural or religious background, family structure, disabilities, sexuality and appearance. Our society is made up of people with a wide range of characteristics. Where people vary in a multitude of ways, including in their age, sex, sexual orientation, physical characteristics such as height, weight and skin colour, ability, personal experiences and personal attributes, such as beliefs, values and preferences
Diversity contributes strength to a community but sadly it is often perceived as a problem. Is good to help children to see diversity in a positive way. And always remember that every child is Unique.
Mean by Equality. Is about treating people fairly, regardless of their differences, by ensuring that they have access to the same life opportunities as everyone else, i.e. that they have equal opportunities.
Each individual in society experiences opportunities to achieve and flourish, which are good as the opportunities experienced by other people and to be treated with equal concern so they are able to progress along the pathway of development and learning. To promote the positive aspects of diversity and to offer children equal chances in life, all setting for children should work towards
inclusion.
You read above that having our individual differences acknowledged and understood helps us to develop a sense of belonging, or inclusion; and that disadvantaging people because they are different in some way leads to their becoming excluded. It follows, then, that inclusion is about accepting everyone, regardless of difference. It is also about getting rid of intolerance of differences and providing help and support where appropriate.
Why inclusion?