Inclusion as a Pathway to Peace: The Psychological Experience of Exclusion and Inclusion in Culturally Diverse Social Settings

Abstract

Cultural diversity is an increasingly common characteristic of social groups in current societies. Yet, especially minority members still run a substantial risk of experiencing social exclusion for being different from the mainstream. These experiences are costly, as they hamper individual well-being and, on a larger level, harmonious, peaceful intra- and intergroup relations. The current chapter reviews theory and evidence on social exclusion and its determinants. From there, we turn to the characterizing features and determinants of the psychological experience of inclusion. We argue that providing group members with a safe feeling to belong, to be respected, and to be allowed to be authentic is not only beneficial on the individual level, but may, on a broader level, also offer a pathway to peace.