ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
UNIQUE NO. 143139
DUE DATE: 21 JULY 2025
, Perspectives of Inclusive Education
Question 1 (25 Marks)
Define inclusive education and discuss its importance in your context, referring
to your specific country, including its socio-cultural, economic, and political
landscape.
Definition:
Inclusive education refers to a pedagogical approach and policy direction that ensures
all learners, regardless of their physical, intellectual, social, emotional, linguistic, or
other conditions, learn together in mainstream classrooms. It promotes equality,
respects diversity, and accommodates the learning needs of every individual.
Importance in South Africa:
In South Africa, inclusive education is critical given the country's diverse socio-cultural
and political context, shaped by its apartheid history and current efforts toward social
justice. The Education White Paper 6 (2001) provides the foundation for inclusive
education in South Africa, aiming to address barriers to learning and development.
1. Socio-Cultural Context:
o South Africa is home to 11 official languages and multiple cultural and
religious backgrounds.
o Inclusive education supports multiculturalism by encouraging respect and
appreciation for diversity.
o It also works against historical exclusion and segregation based on race
and disability.
2. Economic Landscape:
o Many schools in townships and rural areas operate under severe financial
constraints.
o Inclusive education encourages equitable distribution of resources and
aims to redress inequalities through support provisioning and
differentiated teaching.