Summary of keynote

Diversity and inclusion : Reflection on ideology, theory, research and educational practice

The paper discusses the ideological underpinning of the concern for diversity and inclusion in its eco-cultural context. Developmental and educational theory and research is formulated within an eco-cultural context and so are its implications for educational practice.

Many societies world-wide are undergoing changes. These include rapid socio-economic, technological and political changes as well as changes resulting from migration. These changes led to the realization that we can no longer discuss any society as representing one culture. Diversity is now an integral part of most Western societies. The issue of diversity in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) is discussed mostly in relation to eco-cultural changes experienced associated in recent years with immigration.

The paper discusses the challenges these changes present to children, parents and teachers in ECEC as well as to different cultural communities trying to maintain their cultural identity. They also challenge policy makers. On the theoretical level the paper addresses the need to develop multifaceted theoretical models to help us conceptualize child rearing ideologies, and developmental goals in this complex reality of cultural change. On the level of practice the paper discusses some of the questions, dilemmas and conflicts that educators need to address in dealing with diversity and inclusion.