Ethos Perspectives
From the Periphery to the Centre: Engendering
Social Inclusion
Introduction
Social inclusion has become an increasingly
important concept for many societies and governments in recent
times. Defined as the capability each individual possesses
to actively participate in various facets of the economic,
political and social life of a community, social inclusion
engenders social cohesion and reinforces collective belonging
to the country.
In many countries, the groups more vulnerable
to social exclusion include women, older persons, persons
with disabilities, children and the poor. In particular, the
widening income gap in many countries makes income an increasingly
significant dimension along which exclusion may take place.
Since inequalities can be socially divisive, governments need
to step in to reduce them.
The wide-ranging policies and strategies
to reduce inequality and achieve inclusion all aim to grant
individuals equal access to resources and facilitate their
full participation in the economic, political and social life
of the country. In doing so, both the short- and long-term
consequences must be taken into consideration; traditional
welfare benefits are an often-used means of minimising social
exclusion but do not help recipients escape social exclusion
and poverty in the long run. A multi-pronged approach is needed
to ensure that social inclusion measures are effective not
only in the long run, but for different groups of excluded
individuals.
This issue of Ethos Perspectives examines
the broader apparatus for social inclusion (Reference 1),
one country’s measures to forge social inclusion (Reference
2), and specific social inclusion measures in the area of
housing and education (References 3 and 4).
Reference 1: "Joint Report on
Social Protection and Social Inclusion"
This EU report discusses the challenges that governments face
in fighting poverty and social exclusion. Promoting employment
has always been central to social inclusion because it reduces
poverty risk and promotes social engagement and personal development.
Social protection schemes also contribute to economic development
by providing a favourable environment for economic growth
and facilitating structural change by cushioning workers against
the effects of restructuring. However, there is a need for
these schemes to be sensitive to wider social trends, such
as changes in demography (including a need to integrate immigrants),
values, social relationships, organisation of families and
nature of work. For example, the growing concern for quality
of life and work-leisure balance cannot go unheeded.
Social inclusion policies can help to respond
to the economic and social needs of the future. For example,
they can not only combat poverty, but also effectively increase
labour supply by strengthening people’s capacity and
incentives to work and remain in work longer. They can encourage
employers to hire and retain older workers, and ensure access
to quality healthcare so that workers remain in good health
and stay engaged in the workforce. A key challenge in designing
these schemes is to strike the right balance of providing
security for workers as they adapt to change, while still
incentivising them to work.
Other means through which social inclusion
can be enhanced include (a) improving access to services (e.g.
healthcare, transport, infrastructure and ICT) and housing;
(b) tackling disadvantages in education and training experienced
by minority groups, preventing premature school-leaving and
promoting lifelong learning; (c) providing early intervention
and early education for disadvantaged children so as to prevent
intergenerational inheritance of poverty; and (d) eliminating
discrimination and promoting integration of minority groups.
Well-designed policies also need to be complemented by strengthened
institutional arrangements, greater coordination across different
departments in implementation and the involvement of key stakeholders
including social partners, NGOs and enterprises.
Commission of the European Communities,
"Joint Report on Social Protection and Social Inclusion
{SEC(205)69}", Employment and Social Affairs, Social
Security and Social Integration (Brussels: European Commission,
Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal
Opportunities, 2005).
http://www.ec.europa.eu/employment_social/social_inclusion/docs/com_en.pdf
(Accessed 5 September 2007)
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