Approaches to Educational and Social Inclusion: International Perspectives on Theory, Policy and Key Challenges

The chapters in this volume deal with issues and questions which have implications for modern societies as they seek to come to terms with an increased understanding of the ‘exclusion’ and ‘inclusion’ dichotomy.

Broadly, the three parts in this volume offer some answers and give signposts to possible solutions. Authors from Bangladesh, Greece, India, Israel, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States show in their respective chapters how the majority of educational and social institutions in both developed and developing countries have failed to overcome the many barriers to an effective system of integrated education. They also suggest models, strategies, ways and means as to how it may be possible to challenge and even dismantle these barriers.

The volume also closely examines the overt and covert damage to individuals’ self-esteem and identity as a result of social and educational exclusion while proposing a variety of interventions and strategies (educational, social and political) to overcome the consequences of exclusion and marginalisation.