Inclusive Education Working Towards a Humane Society: A Perspective on Reality ^∗

Abstract

Internationally, and more specifically in South Africa, education is regarded as a guiding force to achieve a more humane and inclusive society by ensuring that human rights and social justice principles are embedded and implemented in all educational practices. Inclusive education policies encourage a growth mindset in asserting the belief that all children can learn. However, the implementation of a successful inclusive education system continues to be a challenge. Through an autoethnography, I have identified three main concerns that I believe contests the conceptualisation, philosophical framework and practice of inclusive education. These include understanding inclusion, a fixed mindset and curriculum inflexibility, i.e. stuck in a fixed mindset. I also make some suggestions on how to address these concerns.

Citation

Nel, M. (2023), "Inclusive Education Working Towards a Humane Society: A Perspective on Reality ^∗ ", Narot, P. and Kiettikunwong, N. (Ed.) Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Special and Inclusive Education in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex & Ambiguous (Vuca) World (International Perspectives on Inclusive Education, Vol. 20), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 157-169. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-363620230000020010