How Government can promote inclusion in society
- Learning for Life and Work
- Mar 29
- 2 min read
In a diverse society, inclusion and respect for cultural differences are essential for building a unified and cohesive community. The government plays a key role in promoting this through communication, laws, education, and policy (CLEP). By encouraging open dialogue, enforcing anti-discrimination laws, providing education on inclusion, and implementing inclusive policies, the government helps create a fair and accepting society for all.
Communication
The government can promote inclusion and highlight the impact of exclusion through media campaigns, fostering trust and community support. By using social media, traditional press, and outreach programs, they keep citizens informed about their rights and policy changes, encouraging a more inclusive society.
Legislation
Laws are essential for fostering inclusion and ensuring social equality, demonstrating the government's commitment to fair treatment for all.
Following the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, the Northern Ireland Government pledged to uphold equality and inclusion. Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 requires public authorities to actively promote equality between people of different religion, age, race, sex, gender, political opinion, and disability. By enforcing these laws in partnership with agencies, the government helps reduce discrimination and strengthen social inclusion.
A fair justice system is also crucial in maintaining these protections. When courts and law enforcement act impartially, it reinforces the message that discrimination has consequences, empowering individuals to report injustices and advocate for inclusivity.
Education
Teaching young people about inclusion is essential for creating a more accepting society. The government ensures that inclusion is a key part of the Northern Ireland curriculum, particularly through Learning for Life and Work (LLW). Schools are also required to have inclusive policies and fair admissions to promote diversity and equality.
Policy
The government can support legislation by ensuring all public bodies have an inclusion policy. This ensures that organisations clearly define the rights and responsibilities of their members to promote inclusion. Additionally, organisations must outline the actions they will take in response to incidents of discrimination or exclusion.
For example, the Programme for Government outlines specific targets aimed at promoting community relations. This provides a clear pathway for initiatives that improve access to education, reduce poverty levels, and dismantle discrimination, ultimately leading to a more equitable society.
To remember the role of government in promoting inclusion, remember CLEP:
Communication
Legislation
Education
Policy
QUESTIONS YOU COULD BE ASKED ON THIS
Describe two ways that the government can promote inclusion (4marks)
Through communication, by using social media, traditional press, and outreach programs, they keep citizens informed about their rights and policy changes, encouraging a more inclusive society. (2marks)
Through legislation such as Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 whereby the Northern Ireland Government has pledged to uphold equality and inclusion. (2marks)
Explain one way that the Northern Ireland Act can promote inclusion in society. (2marks)
It requires public authorities to actively promote equality between people of different religion, age, race, sex, gender, political opinion, and disability to promote inclusion and help reduce discrimination. (2marks)
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