Inclusiveness vs Inclusivity: Deciding Between Similar Terms

When it comes to creating a welcoming and supportive environment, inclusiveness and inclusivity are two words that are often used interchangeably. However, there are subtle differences between the two that are important to understand.

Inclusiveness and inclusivity are both about creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and included, regardless of their background, identity, or beliefs. However, inclusiveness is more focused on the action of including others, while inclusivity is more focused on the state of being included.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, inclusiveness is “the quality of including many different types of people and treating them all fairly and equally.” Inclusiveness is about actively working to include diverse perspectives and voices in decision-making processes and creating a culture where everyone feels valued and respected.

In contrast, inclusivity is “the state of being included within a group or structure.” Inclusivity is about creating a sense of belonging for all individuals and ensuring that everyone has access to the same opportunities and resources.

Throughout this article, we will explore the differences between inclusiveness and inclusivity in more detail and discuss why both are important for creating a truly welcoming and supportive environment.

Define Inclusiveness

Inclusiveness refers to the act of ensuring that everyone is included and feels welcome in a particular setting. It is the practice of creating an environment that is open and accepting of all individuals, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or other characteristics that may make them different from others.

Inclusiveness is about providing equal opportunities and access to resources, and ensuring that everyone has a voice and is heard. It is also about recognizing and valuing diversity, and celebrating the differences that make each individual unique.

Inclusiveness is a key component of building strong communities and organizations, as it fosters a sense of belonging and encourages collaboration and cooperation among members.

Define Inclusivity

Inclusivity is similar to inclusiveness, but takes it a step further. Inclusivity is the practice of actively seeking out and including individuals who may have been excluded or marginalized in the past. It is about going beyond simply creating an open and welcoming environment, and actively working to ensure that all individuals have a seat at the table.

Inclusivity involves recognizing and addressing systemic barriers that may prevent certain individuals from fully participating in a particular setting. This may include addressing issues such as discrimination, unconscious bias, and unequal access to resources.

Inclusivity is about creating a culture of belonging, where everyone feels valued and respected. It requires a commitment to ongoing education and awareness, and a willingness to continuously improve and evolve to meet the needs of all individuals.

Ultimately, inclusivity is about creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to discussing diversity and equality, the terms inclusiveness and inclusivity are often used interchangeably. However, they have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in different contexts. Here’s how to use each word correctly in a sentence:

How To Use “Inclusiveness” In A Sentence

Inclusiveness refers to the quality of being open to everyone, regardless of their differences. It’s often used in the context of creating a welcoming environment that embraces diversity. Here are some examples of how to use inclusiveness in a sentence:

• The company’s inclusiveness policy ensures that all employees are treated fairly and with respect.
• The school promotes inclusiveness by celebrating different cultures and traditions.
• The community center’s inclusiveness extends to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

As you can see, inclusiveness is often used to describe an environment or policy that is welcoming and accepting of everyone.

How To Use “Inclusivity” In A Sentence

Inclusivity, on the other hand, refers to the act of actively including and valuing diverse perspectives and experiences. It’s often used in the context of decision-making and problem-solving, where it’s important to consider a variety of viewpoints. Here are some examples of how to use inclusivity in a sentence:

• The team’s inclusivity led to a more creative and effective solution to the problem.
• The government’s inclusivity in policy-making ensured that the needs of all citizens were taken into account.
• The conference’s inclusivity was evident in the diverse range of speakers and topics.

As you can see, inclusivity is often used to describe an approach to decision-making or problem-solving that values diversity and actively seeks out different perspectives.

More Examples Of Inclusiveness & Inclusivity Used In Sentences

Inclusiveness and inclusivity are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Inclusiveness refers to the act of including everyone, while inclusivity refers to creating an environment that is welcoming and supportive of different people and ideas.

Examples Of Using Inclusiveness In A Sentence

• The company’s inclusiveness policy ensures that all employees are treated fairly.
• The teacher’s inclusiveness in the classroom made all students feel valued.
• The event’s inclusiveness was evident in the diverse range of attendees.
• The community’s inclusiveness was demonstrated by their support of the local LGBTQ+ center.
• The government’s inclusiveness efforts aim to reduce discrimination against marginalized groups.
• The organization’s inclusiveness initiatives have resulted in a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
• The school’s inclusiveness program promotes acceptance and respect for all students.
• The team’s inclusiveness policy ensures that all members have an equal opportunity to participate.
• The city’s inclusiveness campaign aims to promote diversity and inclusion in all aspects of community life.
• The organization’s inclusiveness training helps employees understand and appreciate different perspectives.

Examples Of Using Inclusivity In A Sentence

• The conference’s inclusivity was reflected in the diverse range of speakers and topics.
• The university’s inclusivity efforts aim to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all students.
• The organization’s inclusivity policy ensures that all employees are valued and respected.
• The event’s inclusivity was evident in the accommodations made for attendees with disabilities.
• The company’s inclusivity initiatives have resulted in a more diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
• The school’s inclusivity program promotes understanding and acceptance of different cultures and backgrounds.
• The city’s inclusivity campaign aims to celebrate diversity and promote inclusion in all areas of city life.
• The team’s inclusivity policy ensures that all members feel welcome and valued.
• The community’s inclusivity efforts aim to create a safe and supportive environment for all residents.
• The organization’s inclusivity training helps employees understand how to create a more inclusive workplace.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to promoting diversity and acceptance, the terms inclusiveness and inclusivity are often used interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when using inclusiveness and inclusivity interchangeably:

Using Inclusiveness When You Mean Inclusivity

One of the most common mistakes people make is using the term inclusiveness when they actually mean inclusivity. Inclusiveness refers to the act of including everyone, while inclusivity refers to the quality of being inclusive. For example, saying “our company promotes inclusiveness” implies that the company is actively including everyone, while saying “our company promotes inclusivity” means that the company values and prioritizes inclusivity as a quality.

Assuming Inclusivity Is Enough

Another common mistake is assuming that inclusivity is enough to promote diversity and acceptance. While inclusivity is certainly a step in the right direction, it is important to remember that it is only one aspect of creating a truly inclusive environment. Inclusivity alone does not address issues of power dynamics, privilege, and systemic oppression.

Ignoring Intersectionality

Intersectionality is the concept that individuals hold multiple identities and that these identities intersect and interact with one another. For example, a person may identify as both a woman and a person of color. It is important to acknowledge and address intersectionality when promoting inclusivity, as it recognizes the unique experiences and challenges faced by individuals with multiple identities.

Offering Token Gestures

Finally, offering token gestures of inclusivity can actually be harmful. Tokenism refers to the practice of making only a symbolic effort to include individuals from marginalized groups, without actually addressing the underlying issues of systemic oppression. For example, hiring one person of color to a predominantly white team may be seen as a token gesture of inclusivity, but it does not address the systemic issues that prevent people of color from being hired in the first place.

To avoid making these common mistakes, it is important to educate yourself on the nuances of inclusiveness and inclusivity. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Be mindful of the language you use and the meanings behind the words
• Recognize that inclusivity is only one aspect of creating a truly inclusive environment
• Acknowledge and address intersectionality
• Avoid offering token gestures of inclusivity

Context Matters

When discussing inclusiveness versus inclusivity, it is important to consider the context in which these terms are used. The choice between the two can vary depending on the situation and the desired outcome.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between inclusiveness and inclusivity might change:

Context	Choice between Inclusiveness and Inclusivity
Workplace Diversity and Inclusion	Inclusivity
Academic Settings	Inclusiveness
Social Justice Movements	Inclusivity
Community Building	Inclusiveness

When it comes to workplace diversity and inclusion, the focus is often on creating a culture where everyone feels welcome and valued. In this context, inclusivity is the preferred choice as it emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where everyone is included regardless of their background or identity.

On the other hand, in academic settings, the focus is often on acknowledging and celebrating differences. In this context, inclusiveness is the preferred choice as it emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing diversity.

Social justice movements also tend to prioritize inclusivity as it emphasizes the importance of centering the experiences and voices of marginalized communities. In contrast, community building often prioritizes inclusiveness as it emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of belonging and connection for all members of a community.

Overall, the choice between inclusiveness and inclusivity depends on the context in which they are used. By understanding the nuances of these terms, we can better navigate different situations and work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive world.

Exceptions To The Rules

While inclusiveness and inclusivity are generally considered positive traits to have, there are certain situations where they may not be applicable or appropriate. Here are some exceptions to the rules:

1. Safety Concerns

In some cases, being inclusive or accommodating to everyone may not be safe. For example, in a workplace where heavy machinery is used, it may not be safe to allow individuals with certain disabilities to operate the machinery. In such cases, safety concerns should take priority over inclusiveness or inclusivity.

2. Legal Requirements

There may be legal requirements that prevent inclusiveness or inclusivity from being implemented in certain situations. For example, in a sports competition, there may be certain rules or regulations that prevent individuals from competing based on their gender or physical abilities. In such cases, the rules must be followed to ensure fairness and compliance with the law.

3. Cultural Sensitivity

While inclusiveness and inclusivity are generally positive traits, they may not be appropriate in certain cultural contexts. For example, in some cultures, it may be considered disrespectful to include certain individuals in certain activities or events. In such cases, cultural sensitivity should take priority over inclusiveness or inclusivity.

4. Practicality

Sometimes, it may not be practical to implement inclusiveness or inclusivity in certain situations. For example, in a crowded public transportation system, it may not be possible to accommodate everyone’s needs and preferences. In such cases, practicality should take priority over inclusiveness or inclusivity.

5. Personal Boundaries

Finally, it is important to respect individuals’ personal boundaries and preferences. While inclusiveness and inclusivity are generally positive traits, some individuals may prefer not to participate in certain activities or events. In such cases, their personal preferences should be respected and accommodated as much as possible.

Practice Exercises

Learning about inclusiveness and inclusivity is one thing, but putting that knowledge into practice is another. Here are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of inclusiveness and inclusivity in sentences:

Exercise 1: Identifying Inclusive Language

Read the following sentences and identify which sentence uses inclusive language:

• The company is looking for a new salesman.
• The company is looking for a new salesperson.
• The company is looking for a new sales associate.

Answer: The second sentence uses inclusive language by using the gender-neutral term “salesperson” instead of the gender-specific term “salesman.”

Exercise 2: Using Inclusive Language

Rewrite the following sentences to make them more inclusive:

1. The doctor told him to take his medicine.
2. The boss congratulated him on a job well done.
3. The teacher gave the student his grade.

Answer:

1. The doctor told the patient to take their medicine.
2. The boss congratulated the employee on a job well done.
3. The teacher gave the student their grade.

Exercise 3: Using Inclusivity In Writing

Write a paragraph about a hypothetical workplace that demonstrates the use of inclusivity in writing. Include at least three examples of inclusive language.

Answer:

In our workplace, we strive to create an environment that is inclusive and welcoming to all employees. One way we do this is by using gender-neutral language in our communications. For example, instead of using “he” or “she” when referring to an employee, we use “they” or “their.” We also use job titles that are inclusive, such as “sales associate” instead of “salesman.” Additionally, we ensure that all employees have access to the same opportunities for growth and development, regardless of their gender or background.

Conclusion

After examining the differences between inclusiveness and inclusivity, it is clear that inclusivity is the more appropriate term to use when discussing diversity and equality. Inclusiveness implies a passive acceptance of differences, whereas inclusivity actively works to include and celebrate diversity.

One key takeaway from this article is the importance of language use in promoting inclusivity. By using inclusive language, we can create a more welcoming and accepting environment for all individuals. This includes using gender-neutral pronouns, avoiding ableist language, and being mindful of cultural differences.

Another takeaway is the role of inclusivity in promoting innovation and creativity. When individuals from diverse backgrounds are included and valued, they bring unique perspectives and ideas to the table. This can lead to more innovative solutions and a more successful organization.

It is important to continue learning about grammar and language use in order to promote inclusivity. By staying informed and up-to-date on inclusive language practices, we can create a more inclusive society for all individuals.