Existentialism focuses on the individual's experience, freedom, and responsibility in a seemingly indifferent universe. Inclusion, on the other hand, is about the practice of ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their differences, are embraced and valued in society. At first glance, these two concepts may seem divergent, with existentialism emphasizing individuality and inclusion advocating for a collective acceptance of diversity. However, a deeper exploration reveals a nuanced relationship between existentialism and inclusion, where the acceptance and valuing of individual authenticity converges with the imperative of creating a society that welcomes and celebrates the richness of human differences.
Existentialism and the Individual:
Existentialist thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, and Søren Kierkegaard placed the individual at the centre of their philosophical inquiries. Sartre's famous declaration, "existence precedes essence," encapsulates the existentialist perspective that individuals are not born with a predetermined purpose or essence; instead, they define themselves through their actions and choices. This emphasis on personal responsibility and freedom resonates with the idea that each person's existence is unique and inherently valuable.
Existentialism encourages individuals to engage with the notion that life lacks inherent meaning, and it is up to each person to create their own purpose. In this context, the relationship between existentialism and inclusion may seem strained, as the focus appears to be on the solitary journey of self-discovery. However, existentialism, when properly understood, provides a foundation for recognizing the authenticity and worth of every individual, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive society.
Authenticity and Inclusion:
One key concept in existentialism is authenticity – the idea that to be authentically themselves, individuals must try to live each moment according to their own values and not be influenced by the values, expectations, and ‘norms’ of others. This authenticity, when applied to the societal context, forms the bridge between existentialism and inclusion. In an inclusive society, authenticity is not only encouraged but celebrated. Recognizing and accepting the authenticity of others becomes a fundamental aspect of fostering an inclusive environment.
When individuals are encouraged to be authentic, they are more likely to embrace and feel safe to show and behave according to their unique qualities and perspectives. Inclusion thrives on diversity, and valuing authenticity contributes to this diversity by allowing individuals to express their true selves without fear of judgment or exclusion. Thus, existentialism's emphasis on authenticity aligns with the inclusivity imperative, creating a space where the richness of individual experiences can contribute to the collective tapestry of society.
Freedom and Inclusion:
Existentialism's emphasis on individual freedom may appear at odds with the collective nature of inclusion. However, freedom, when viewed through an existential lens, is not about absolute autonomy but rather the freedom to choose one's values and commitments. In an inclusive society, this freedom is extended to all individuals, allowing them to express their identities and contribute to the community in ways that are meaningful to them.
Freedom, in the context of inclusion, means breaking away from societal norms that marginalize certain groups. Existentialism challenges individuals to question these norms, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable society. It calls for the freedom to be different, to challenge the status quo, and to contribute to the creation of a more accepting world for all.
Responsibility to Others:
Existentialism does not promote an isolated, self-centred worldview. Rather, it emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals and the responsibilities that come with that interconnectedness. While we have the freedom to choose we also have the concurrent responsibility for the consequences of our choices and how they affect others In an inclusive society, along with valuing authenticity and respecting people’s freedom to choose, the recognition of our responsibility to others becomes a cornerstone for fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance.
The existential call to take responsibility for one's choices extends to promoting inclusivity by actively challenging discrimination, bias, and systemic barriers. Inclusion requires individuals to acknowledge their impact on others and to actively work towards dismantling structures that perpetuate exclusion. Existential responsibility, then, aligns with the inclusive imperative to create a society where every individual is afforded the same opportunities and respect.
Meaning and Inclusion:
Existentialism introduces the concept of the absurd – the recognition that life's inherent lack of meaning can be disconcerting. However, existentialists argue that the absurdity of existence should prompt individuals to create their own meaning. In the context of inclusion, the acknowledgment of the absurdity of discrimination and exclusion becomes a catalyst for positive change.
The absurdity of discrimination lies in its arbitrary and baseless nature. Existentialism prompts individuals to confront this absurdity and actively work towards dismantling discriminatory structures. In an inclusive society, the absurdity of exclusion is recognized, and efforts are made to create a world where every individual is embraced for who they are, irrespective of arbitrary characteristics.
Overcoming Otherness:
Existentialism challenges the notion of "Otherness" – the tendency to view those who are different as separate or inferior. Sartre, for example, critiques the idea of "the gaze" through which individuals are objectified and reduced to mere stereotypes. Overcoming Otherness is crucial for fostering inclusion, as it requires recognizing the shared humanity that transcends superficial differences.
Existentialism encourages individuals to see beyond societal constructs and perceive the humanity in others. In the quest for authenticity, individuals are prompted to look past preconceived notions and embrace the uniqueness of every person. This existential shift in perspective aligns with the goals of inclusion, which seeks to overcome the barriers created by Otherness and build connections based on shared humanity.
Inclusive Existentialism in Practice:
While existentialism provides a philosophical framework that aligns with the principles of inclusion, putting these ideas into practice requires intentional efforts. Here are practical ways in which an inclusive existentialism can be realized:
Promoting Authentic Dialogue: Encourage open and honest conversations that allow individuals to express their authentic selves. This includes creating spaces where diverse voices can be heard and valued.
Challenging Discriminatory Structures: Actively question and challenge societal and organisational norms and structures that perpetuate discrimination. This may involve advocating for policy changes, raising awareness about systemic issues, and promoting inclusivity in all aspects of life and work.
Fostering Mutual Acceptance: Existentialism emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals. Fostering mutual acceptance is essential for understanding and appreciating the experiences of others, breaking down barriers, and building connections.
Education and Awareness: Promote education and awareness about the principles of existentialism and inclusion. This can be done through knowledge seminars and workshops, training programmes, awareness campaigns, and communication initiatives that highlight the importance of authenticity and acceptance.
Supporting Diverse Identities: Celebrate and support the diversity of identities within the workplace. This involves acknowledging and respecting different cultural, racial, gender, and other identities, creating an environment where everyone feels seen and valued.
Encouraging Individual Responsibility: Existential responsibility extends to the collective responsibility for creating an inclusive society. Encourage individuals to take responsibility for their actions and actively contribute to building a world where inclusion is the norm.
The relationship between existentialism and inclusion is not immediately apparent, given the existentialist emphasis on individuality and the collective nature of inclusion. However, a closer examination reveals a complementary dynamic. Existentialism, with its focus on authenticity, responsibility, freedom, and the creation of meaning and purpose, provides a philosophical foundation for the principles of inclusion. The quest for authenticity aligns with the goal of recognizing and celebrating diverse identities, while existential responsibility underscores the importance of actively dismantling discriminatory structures.
Inclusion, in turn, enriches existentialism by providing a broader context for individual authenticity. It challenges the notion that authenticity is solely a personal endeavour, highlighting the interconnectedness of individuals and the need for a collective commitment to creating a society that embraces diversity. The principles of inclusion invite individuals to overcome the absurdity of discrimination and Otherness, fostering mutual acceptance and understanding.
In practice, an inclusive existentialism involves promoting authentic dialogue, challenging discriminatory structures, fostering mutual acceptance, raising awareness, supporting diverse identities, and encouraging individual responsibility. By combining the existential emphasis on individual authenticity with the inclusive imperative to recognize and value every individual, we can pave the way for a society that celebrates the unique contributions of each person while working collectively towards a more inclusive and compassionate world.
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