Public Relations, Social Inclusion, and Social Exclusion

In the 1960s, I conducted two studies of large landowners and peasant farmers in Colombia. After 61 years in the profession, I see the theme of those studies and most of my subsequent research to be public relations as a means of social inclusion: allowing individuals and groups to take part in society. This essay describes social inclusion and public relations theories of publics, symmetrical communication, strategic management, and relationships. The essay concludes by discussing digital media as both a tool of inclusion and de facto social exclusion.