Growing up, I attended a school with students from diverse backgrounds. In one of our class discussions about the class system, my friend courageously shared her journey of overcoming financial hardships in a single-parent household, relying solely on a scholarship for support. Hearing her firsthand account deeply resonated with me and prompted profound reflections on the disparities in life circumstances.
This experience highlights the vital need for an intersectional, inclusive classroom, fostering empathy, and understanding, and equipping students to address societal inequalities, to shape a more compassionate society.
Intersectionality, a concept pioneered by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw, emphasises the interconnected nature of social identities such as race, gender, sexuality, etc. It acknowledges that everyone has their own overlapping identities and unique experiences, leading to multiple layers of discrimination and privilege. For example, an indigenous woman may face discrimination not only based on her background but also her gender, experiencing a unique set of challenges.
Diversity through intersectional inclusivity
Lack of intersectional inclusivity leads to homogenised classes, hindering acceptance of diversity. Without exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences, individuals are more likely to be surrounded by people who are similar to them. This limits opportunities for individuals to interact with those who are different from them, making it challenging to accept people who have diverse backgrounds and identities. Exposure to diverse perspectives is essential for broadening worldviews and understanding societal complexities.
Intersectional inclusivity is crucial, addressing multiple issues surrounding different layers of society and creating a safe space for discussion. Bringing communities together helps people understand each other better, share resources, and support each other. This cooperation tackles class differences by promoting fairness and teamwork to create a more equal society.
Having a classroom that values inclusivity and intersectionality can foster healthy debates and arguments. Aisha, who grew up in a rural village, sheds light on the struggles of underdevelopment and the persistence of gender-based discrimination like Chaupadi Pratha. Meanwhile, the person who grew up in the city highlights the health hazards of urban pollution and the erosion of cultural values in the face of modernity. Their contrasting stories paint a vivid picture of the challenges and complexities of our society.
This way, we can have a two-way view of the positives and negatives where even the simplest matters that do not gain our attention can stem in. The invisible issues start to become visible and acknowledged.
Classrooms as the platforms
Classrooms are spaces where conversations, discussions, and debates create opportunities for individuals to develop their perspectives on different issues like inequality, and discrimination that might not be widely discussed. Introducing concepts like fairness and empathy lays the foundation for understanding broader social issues as students mature.
An intersectional inclusive classroom acknowledges and respects the diverse identities and experiences of all students. In such a classroom, students would feel valued and represented in the learning environment. Students would feel comfortable expressing themselves and sharing their experiences, knowing that their identities are respected and acknowledged. Encouraging students to explore issues of privilege, discrimination, and understanding through discussions, projects, and readings can deepen their understanding of intersectionality and social justice.
As a teacher, an intersectional inclusive classroom might mean seeing the integration of diverse perspectives into the curriculum and fostering respectful discussions among students or creating an environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves and sharing their experiences.
In a classroom setting, intersectionality promotes empathy, understanding, and acceptance of diversity among students. By acknowledging and respecting the diverse identities and experiences of all students, an intersectional inclusive classroom creates a safe space where individuals feel valued and represented. It also encourages critical thinking and fosters discussions that broaden students’ perspectives on societal issues, preparing them to navigate a diverse and complex world with empathy and awareness.
Parents appreciate the emphasis on diversity and inclusion, seeing their children thrive in an environment where their identities are affirmed. For example, parents might notice increased confidence and active participation of their children in competition as well as discussing issues like early child marriage shared by their friends.
Starting with these simplistic matters, students can then move on to talk about how people face different problems based on stereotypical cases.
Empowering individuals and students
Transitioning from general to individual-centric problems would provide clarity on the little details that are necessary to empower individuals and students. It aids in people being more vocal about their problems and identities. As a result, intersectionality creates a safe environment. Because people living in Kathmandu might be oblivious to the problems in Humla, having that intersectionality serves as a means of knowing what is wrong in other sections of the community we live in.
Teachers play a pivotal role in creating inclusive classroom environments. They can integrate diverse perspectives into the curriculum, foster respectful discussions among students, and create a safe space where individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves. Additionally, teachers can examine their own biases, engage in reflective practices, and challenge assumptions to create more equitable learning environments. Encouraging students to explore issues of privilege, discrimination, and understanding through discussions, projects, and readings can deepen their understanding of intersectionality and social justice.
Building strong relationships with students based on trust, empathy, and respect can also help create a supportive learning environment where all students feel valued and heard.
Schools can support intersectional inclusivity by implementing inclusive teaching practices, such as diverse curriculum materials, multicultural literature, and representation in classroom decor. Comparing and studying Nepali literature works like Shirish Ko Phool, Yogmaya, Nilambit Nibandh, and Parityakta as students mature offers a rich perspective from different parts of it community and the history of women.
Each book, set in different contexts and circumstances, addresses proactive issues uniquely, perspectives, voices, and histories that have been historically marginalised or omitted. This includes challenging narratives and incorporating indigenous knowledge and perspectives. Integrating multiple examples of literature allows us to grasp the setting, ideology, and issues of various places while teaching us about diversity.
It is crucial to acknowledge that while striving for equality, addressing past injustices is essential as they illuminate areas where certain segments of society have historically been disadvantaged. Understanding this historical context is vital for comprehending the depth of the need for additional support in today’s context.
By recognising the inequalities that persist, we can better grasp the importance of providing equitable opportunities to all students, regardless of their background or circumstances. This includes offering resources such as tutoring, counselling, scholarships, and accommodations for students with disabilities, as well as creating a safe space.
In conclusion, intersectionality is not only relevant but essential in both society and the classroom. It fosters empathy, understanding, and acceptance of diversity, preparing students to navigate the complexities of the world with compassion and social consciousness. By prioritising intersectional inclusivity, both teachers and schools can create learning environments that empower students to appreciate diversity, advocate for inclusion, and drive positive change in their workplaces and communities. Ultimately, the ripple effects of intersectional inclusivity extend beyond the classroom, shaping workplaces and society for the better.
The post Creating an inclusive classroom: Embracing diversity and intersectionality appeared first on OnlineKhabar English News.
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