Promoting social and educational inclusion for the development of culture
Mirca Montanari
Facing the multiple challenges that come the complexity of social and educational emergencies, critical considerations
posed by Special Pedagogy underline some critical issues that are linked to forms of inequality that
unfold at a cultural, institutional, juridical, economical and political. These inequalities generate discriminatory
conditions, especially for people with special educational needs. Obstacles and barriers to the development of
participation and of equal learning opportunities produce an inevitable cultural pauperization, which itself
negatively influences democracy and active citizenship. An inclusive school, that can offer equity and learning
opportunities for each and every student, proves itself to be able to strengthen the culture of accessibility, of
solidarity, of participation and of belonging, thus reducing the dangers of social and educational exclusion.
Keywords
Social and educational inclusion, culture of democracy, citizenship, participation, special educational needs
