Softening Borders: Reconceptualizing the Role of Education for Inclusiveness of Refugees and Immigrants

Abstract

Crossing borders, whether geo-political, racial, religious, or gender related, requires acknowledgement of the perception of borders, and willingness to accept individual discomfort that accompanies these journeys. To soften the many borders faced by refugees, we need more inclusive classrooms, communities, and countries. This begins with how we teach our students and present counternarratives to those embraced in the nationalist environments where many of us reside. Using specific pedagogical approaches will facilitate sustainable support and growth of all engaged in this process, resulting in personal, institutional, and community based efforts to provide environments where all individuals can create meaningful, productive lives.