The Paradox of Inclusion: Non-Binary Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Work in a Dualistic World
Despite decades of policy and programming, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives remain constrained by the binary logic embedded in traditional organisational thinking. This paper critiques the positivist and dualistic assumptions that shape the environments in which EDI practitioners...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Everything is Connected Press
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Murmurations |
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| Online Access: | http://murmurations.cloud/index.php/pub/article/view/298 |
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| author | Patrick Goh Lucy Aphramor Candis Mary-Dauphin |
| author_facet | Patrick Goh Lucy Aphramor Candis Mary-Dauphin |
| author_sort | Patrick Goh |
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Despite decades of policy and programming, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives remain constrained by the binary logic embedded in traditional organisational thinking. This paper critiques the positivist and dualistic assumptions that shape the environments in which EDI practitioners operate. We argue that modernist frameworks oversimplify complex social realities, obscure systemic harm and trauma, and reinforce hierarchical structures rooted in coloniality and white supremacy.
Drawing on social constructionism – particularly Bakhtin’s concept of polyphony –we propose that a paradigmatic shift toward non-binary, relational, and polyvocal approaches to organising is essential if we are to disrupt entrenched ways of thinking and the socially constructed patterns of hierarchical othering they normalise.
Through reflexive discussion of our thoughts, experiences, complicities, and biases, we explore how polyphonic organising, grounded in a pedagogy of love, offers a pragmatic framework for cultivating inclusive, dynamic, and ethically responsive human systems. We contend that the efficacy of EDI programming will remain limited unless organisations move beyond their colonial, neoliberal, and binary legacy. In an era of rising anti-EDI sentiment, we offer this paper as a reflexive, visceral, and hopeful response to the so-called culture wars – and the urgent need for systemic transformation.
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| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-c079bcc28cc04d9e972875a6a9a0c78e |
| institution | Matheson Library |
| issn | 2516-0052 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | Everything is Connected Press |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Murmurations |
| spelling | doaj-art-c079bcc28cc04d9e972875a6a9a0c78e2025-07-01T09:55:12ZengEverything is Connected PressMurmurations2516-00522025-06-018210.28963/8.2.3The Paradox of Inclusion: Non-Binary Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Work in a Dualistic WorldPatrick GohLucy AphramorCandis Mary-Dauphin Despite decades of policy and programming, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives remain constrained by the binary logic embedded in traditional organisational thinking. This paper critiques the positivist and dualistic assumptions that shape the environments in which EDI practitioners operate. We argue that modernist frameworks oversimplify complex social realities, obscure systemic harm and trauma, and reinforce hierarchical structures rooted in coloniality and white supremacy. Drawing on social constructionism – particularly Bakhtin’s concept of polyphony –we propose that a paradigmatic shift toward non-binary, relational, and polyvocal approaches to organising is essential if we are to disrupt entrenched ways of thinking and the socially constructed patterns of hierarchical othering they normalise. Through reflexive discussion of our thoughts, experiences, complicities, and biases, we explore how polyphonic organising, grounded in a pedagogy of love, offers a pragmatic framework for cultivating inclusive, dynamic, and ethically responsive human systems. We contend that the efficacy of EDI programming will remain limited unless organisations move beyond their colonial, neoliberal, and binary legacy. In an era of rising anti-EDI sentiment, we offer this paper as a reflexive, visceral, and hopeful response to the so-called culture wars – and the urgent need for systemic transformation. http://murmurations.cloud/index.php/pub/article/view/298non-binary logicdualismorganisational developmentcolonialitypolyphonylove |
| spellingShingle | Patrick Goh Lucy Aphramor Candis Mary-Dauphin The Paradox of Inclusion: Non-Binary Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Work in a Dualistic World Murmurations non-binary logic dualism organisational development coloniality polyphony love |
| title | The Paradox of Inclusion: Non-Binary Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Work in a Dualistic World |
| title_full | The Paradox of Inclusion: Non-Binary Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Work in a Dualistic World |
| title_fullStr | The Paradox of Inclusion: Non-Binary Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Work in a Dualistic World |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Paradox of Inclusion: Non-Binary Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Work in a Dualistic World |
| title_short | The Paradox of Inclusion: Non-Binary Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Work in a Dualistic World |
| title_sort | paradox of inclusion non binary equity diversity and inclusion work in a dualistic world |
| topic | non-binary logic dualism organisational development coloniality polyphony love |
| url | http://murmurations.cloud/index.php/pub/article/view/298 |
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