The problem with “inclusion”? : it is done to someone by someone
Hedvall, Per Olof LU
and Ericsson, Stina
(2024)
7th International Conference on Universal Design, UD 2024
In Studies in Health Technology and Informatics
320.
p.18-25
- Abstract
In this paper, we aim to contribute to an enhanced theoretical ground for Universal Design (UD) by examining the concept of “inclusion”, presenting a conceptual critique of it based on our research on categorisation and UD, and proposing a way forward. This study is based on a comprehensive analysis of a range of photographs related to inclusion and exclusion collected during five recent research projects. We employ theories on categorisation and UD to inform our critique and discussion of inclusion. The findings show that inclusion 1) entails categorisational ambivalence, 2) upholds patterns of norm and deviation, and 3) results in power being redone, rather than undone. Consequently, inclusion becomes paradoxical, where efforts to... (More)
In this paper, we aim to contribute to an enhanced theoretical ground for Universal Design (UD) by examining the concept of “inclusion”, presenting a conceptual critique of it based on our research on categorisation and UD, and proposing a way forward. This study is based on a comprehensive analysis of a range of photographs related to inclusion and exclusion collected during five recent research projects. We employ theories on categorisation and UD to inform our critique and discussion of inclusion. The findings show that inclusion 1) entails categorisational ambivalence, 2) upholds patterns of norm and deviation, and 3) results in power being redone, rather than undone. Consequently, inclusion becomes paradoxical, where efforts to promote equity and empowerment simultaneously become another reification of existing power structures and marginalisation. To address this issue, we propose moving beyond “inclusion” to “nonclusion” and the corresponding “nonclusive design” as a foundation for UD. This entails a shift in categorisation towards design that resists categorisations of bodies, persons, and roles. We argue that such a shift can usher in a new paradigm regarding how the path towards a society where everyone belongs can be conceptualised and realised.
(Less)
- author
- Hedvall, Per Olof
LU
and Ericsson, Stina
- organization
- publishing date
- 2024-11-18
- type
- Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding
- publication status
- published
- subject
- keywords
- Accessibility, Categorisation, Disability, Inclusion, Inclusive Design, Nonclusion, Nonclusive Design, Norms, Universal Design
- host publication
- Universal Design 2024 : Shaping a Sustainable, Equitable and Resilient Future for All - Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Universal Design, UD 2024 - Shaping a Sustainable, Equitable and Resilient Future for All - Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Universal Design, UD 2024
- series title
- Studies in Health Technology and Informatics
- editor
- Fuglerud, Kristin S. ; Fuglerud, Kristin S. ; Leister, Wolfgang V. and Vidal, Juan Carlos Torrado
- volume
- 320
- pages
- 8 pages
- publisher
- IOS Press
- conference name
- 7th International Conference on Universal Design, UD 2024
- conference location
- Oslo, Norway
- conference dates
- 2024-11-20 - 2024-11-22
- external identifiers
-
- scopus:85210049812
- pmid:39560220
- ISSN
- 1879-8365
- 0926-9630
- ISBN
- 9781643685526
- DOI
- 10.3233/SHTI240978
- language
- English
- LU publication?
- yes
- id
- 3cc65dc3-0e84-4afb-ac7a-48cacfc13e38
- date added to LUP
- 2025-02-26 00:06:48
- date last changed
- 2025-07-16 11:52:35
@inproceedings{3cc65dc3-0e84-4afb-ac7a-48cacfc13e38,
abstract = {{<p>In this paper, we aim to contribute to an enhanced theoretical ground for Universal Design (UD) by examining the concept of “inclusion”, presenting a conceptual critique of it based on our research on categorisation and UD, and proposing a way forward. This study is based on a comprehensive analysis of a range of photographs related to inclusion and exclusion collected during five recent research projects. We employ theories on categorisation and UD to inform our critique and discussion of inclusion. The findings show that inclusion 1) entails categorisational ambivalence, 2) upholds patterns of norm and deviation, and 3) results in power being redone, rather than undone. Consequently, inclusion becomes paradoxical, where efforts to promote equity and empowerment simultaneously become another reification of existing power structures and marginalisation. To address this issue, we propose moving beyond “inclusion” to “nonclusion” and the corresponding “nonclusive design” as a foundation for UD. This entails a shift in categorisation towards design that resists categorisations of bodies, persons, and roles. We argue that such a shift can usher in a new paradigm regarding how the path towards a society where everyone belongs can be conceptualised and realised.</p>}},
author = {{Hedvall, Per Olof and Ericsson, Stina}},
booktitle = {{Universal Design 2024 : Shaping a Sustainable, Equitable and Resilient Future for All - Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Universal Design, UD 2024}},
editor = {{Fuglerud, Kristin S. and Fuglerud, Kristin S. and Leister, Wolfgang V. and Vidal, Juan Carlos Torrado}},
isbn = {{9781643685526}},
issn = {{1879-8365}},
keywords = {{Accessibility; Categorisation; Disability; Inclusion; Inclusive Design; Nonclusion; Nonclusive Design; Norms; Universal Design}},
language = {{eng}},
month = {{11}},
pages = {{18--25}},
publisher = {{IOS Press}},
series = {{Studies in Health Technology and Informatics}},
title = {{The problem with “inclusion”? : it is done to someone by someone}},
url = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/SHTI240978}},
doi = {{10.3233/SHTI240978}},
volume = {{320}},
year = {{2024}},
}