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Article
Publication date: 10 December 2009

Jenny Secker

In the UK the concept of social exclusion came into widespread use in mental health following the publication of an influential Social Exclusion Unit report in 2004. Based on a…

1681

Abstract

In the UK the concept of social exclusion came into widespread use in mental health following the publication of an influential Social Exclusion Unit report in 2004. Based on a comparison of ways of defining social exclusion with the mental health literature, this article begins by outlining a social systems approach to understanding social exclusion. The approach is later used to examine the position of people with mental health needs in the UK. First, however, a common assumption that social inclusion constitutes the opposite of social exclusion is addressed and an alternative way of thinking about the two concepts is put forward. A further assumption that social inclusion is self‐evidently desirable is also critiqued from political and service user perspectives before drawing conclusions from the evidence reviewed. These concern a need for policy initiatives to focus on tackling the structural barriers that work to exclude people with mental health needs, as well as on challenging the deep‐rooted prejudice and stigmatisation that reinforce those barriers; and a need to be mindful of the context in which inclusion policies are implemented, the assumptions that become implicit within these policies, and the possible consequences of their adoption as a moral imperative.

Details

Mental Health Review Journal, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-9322

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 October 2009

Robert Oxoby

The purpose of this paper is to delineate the concepts of social inclusion, social cohesion, and social capital.

12081

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to delineate the concepts of social inclusion, social cohesion, and social capital.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews the existing literature and uses the ideas of Amartya Sen to develop a research and policy approach to these concepts.

Findings

Specifically, the paper uses Sen's concepts of commodities and capabilities to develop a framework for understanding the related concepts of social capital, social cohesion, and inclusion.

Research limitations/implications

While the approach is largely theoretical, the paper bases the analysis on existing empirical research on the social motivations of behavior and the importance on social inclusion in institutional design.

Practical implications

Practically, it is hoped that the framework provides a platform for empirical research on social inclusion and cohesion, two concepts that have largely been ignored in the research on social capital.

Originality/value

As such, this paper can serve as a guide to empirical researchers and policy makers interested in issues of poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 36 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

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Article
Publication date: 19 April 2013

Trudy Norman and Bernadette Pauly

Without the voices of those impacted by homelessness, there is a risk that important understandings essential to the development of effective solutions to homelessness will remain…

4316

Abstract

Purpose

Without the voices of those impacted by homelessness, there is a risk that important understandings essential to the development of effective solutions to homelessness will remain obscured. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the evidence base and insights into recommendations for development and implementation of policies and practices to promote meaningful involvement of people experiencing homelessness as part of a community response to homelessness in a mid‐size Canadian city.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping literature review was conducted, focusing on homelessness and social exclusion/inclusion.

Findings

Based on this review, the authors provide insights into the processes of social exclusion and inclusion as a beginning place for developing strategies for meaningful engagement in community responses to homelessness. Roots of social exclusion, towards social inclusion and creating social inclusion were three themes which emerged as central to developing inclusionary policy. First, the roots of social exclusion associated with homelessness are located in unequal power relations, highlighting contextual factors that produce exclusion with implications for health and well‐being. Second, towards social inclusion, reflects theoretical perspectives and principles that have been used to inform inclusionary practices. Third, creating inclusion highlights some strategies that can support inclusion for people experiencing homelessness and foster development of inclusionary policy.

Originality/value

There is little evidence of effective practices that promote social inclusion or attention to specific strategies that engage diverse homeless populations that account for gender, ethnicity and other important differences. A key next step is the development of guidelines for social inclusion at the organizational and municipal levels of decision making with those impacted by homelessness.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 33 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 March 2014

Laura Dobusch

The purpose of this paper is to anchor the buzzword “inclusive organisation” in a theory-based perspective by identifying meanings of inclusion and exclusion in various scientific…

3878

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to anchor the buzzword “inclusive organisation” in a theory-based perspective by identifying meanings of inclusion and exclusion in various scientific discourses.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an overview about inclusion/exclusion and its different usage in four “western” scientific discourses. By analysing the role of organisations in each discourse, relevant aspects for specifying the concept of “inclusive organisations” are identified.

Findings

The concept of “inclusive organisations” needs to be grounded in a wider industry context for determining adequate action strategies towards inclusiveness. More attention should be paid to the excluding effects of including measures and resulting changes in power relations.

Research limitations/implications

The conceptual approach of the paper needs to be anchored in further empirical research on the measurability of inclusion/exclusion within organisations and on the implementation of organisational practices towards more inclusiveness.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is its interdisciplinary approach to concepts of organisational inclusion and exclusion that are usually analysed separately. This fresh perspective paves the way for an original contribution to further develop the idea of “inclusive organisations”.

Details

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, vol. 33 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-7149

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 4 June 2019

Kate Scorgie and Chris Forlin

Social inclusion incorporates attitudes, expectations and perceptions about what it means to belong to a group. Belonging is embedded in personal beliefs and social structures…

Abstract

Social inclusion incorporates attitudes, expectations and perceptions about what it means to belong to a group. Belonging is embedded in personal beliefs and social structures that set forth criteria that determine how individuals and groups are accorded value and esteem. This chapter explores the constructs of social inclusion, exclusion and belonging with regard to persons in general and more specifically children with disability. It examines the importance of belonging and social inclusion to academic and psychosocial well-being and the effects of stigmatization and exclusion on self-perception, agency and voice. The chapter concludes with a number of evidence-based strategies for creating classrooms, schools and communities in which all are valued, welcomed and belong.

Details

Promoting Social Inclusion
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78769-524-5

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2008

Briony Birdi, Kerry Wilson and Joanne Cocker

The purpose of this paper is to present a review of the literature within the fields of public librarianship, social exclusion and empathy.

4904

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a review of the literature within the fields of public librarianship, social exclusion and empathy.

Design/methodology/approach

The cross‐disciplinary review involved the consultation of material from disciplines including library and information management, politics, social policy and social sciences, cultural studies, psychology, management and organizational theory. It was structured according to the following themes: exclusion, inclusion and social policy, social inclusion in public services and the cultural sector, the role of public libraries in social inclusion and professional empathy and the public library service. Findings –The concept of social inclusion remains at the core of public library policy and strategy, and is embedded in contemporary social theory. Conflicting views have emerged as to the perceived and actual role of the public library in combating social exclusion, with a need expressed for research to be conducted that bridges the gap between the “philosophical” interpretations of community librarianship and the more practical, “real world” studies, in order to fully understand the concept of community librarianship. A critical link is made between social inclusion and public librarianship to professional empathy.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides an edited version of the overall literature review, yet it is felt that it would be of theoretical and practical relevance and value to the professional and academic communities.

Originality/value

Empathy is a relatively new concept in librarianship research, and prior to the study of which this review forms a part only limited findings have been available.

Details

Library Review, vol. 57 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2009

Saheer Al‐Jaghoub and Chris Westrup

Digital and social inclusion are becoming more talked about as approaches to what has been discussed as the digital divide. But what is digital or social inclusion? The purpose of…

1446

Abstract

Purpose

Digital and social inclusion are becoming more talked about as approaches to what has been discussed as the digital divide. But what is digital or social inclusion? The purpose of this paper is to explore the notion of social exclusion as a variety of, sometimes conflicting, social programmes which embody ideas of what society should be. Becoming more aware of this variety of approach can give insights into programmes addressing the digital divide and the political, cultural and social aspects of policies of social inclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses the notion of social inclusion as a variety of social policies to address social exclusion and develop the nation state. It uses an example of a telecentre in Jordan's knowledge station (KS) programme to illustrate and extend this analysis.

Findings

The analysis and discussion of the KS initiative shows how different notions of social and digital inclusion are important features of strengthening the Jordanian state and are useful in analysing the relative success of this programme.

Originality/value

The paper argues that analyses of digital divides and digital exclusion could be strengthened by a closer understanding of policies of social inclusion. In this way it is possible to move from technological connection as a measure of a digital divide to a more thorough understanding using social inclusion policy which illuminates social, political and cultural aspects of technological change.

Details

Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, vol. 7 no. 2/3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-996X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 August 2022

Kahina Le Louvier and Perla Innocenti

This paper discusses an original theory of information exclusion and information inclusion, which explains how information interactions can be structured in ways that either…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper discusses an original theory of information exclusion and information inclusion, which explains how information interactions can be structured in ways that either exclude or include people seeking asylum.

Design/methodology/approach

This theory was developed through an ethnographic study of the information experience of people seeking asylum in the United Kingdom. Fieldwork involved participant observations, participatory research workshops and semi-structured interviews, analysed using a constructivist grounded theory approach.

Findings

People seeking asylum are confronted with two main information environments: the asylum system and the local third sector. Each environment frames contrasting information access, sharing and literacy practice modalities: the former produces information deprivation, information sharing agency denial and a fracturing information literacy practice; the latter facilitates multiple information affordances, information sharing agency promotion, and both local and heritage information literacy practice promotion. Our theory of information exclusion and information inclusion describes how through these modalities, an information environment can either promote or preclude inclusion.

Originality/value

Previous information studies of migration tend to conceptualise social ex/inclusion as a linear journey. Our theory originally frames this as a non-straightforward and conflicting process, allowing to better understand the experience of people who are not simply either socially excluded or included, but may experience both states depending on context. It also shows that exclusion is not a matter of fact and is not fundamental to asylum systems: it is produced by specific policies and procedures and can therefore be changed. Thus, this theory provides conceptual tools for researchers to investigate the information experience of individuals moving between conflicting information practices, and for civil society actors and policymakers to document exclusionary information practices and design inclusive ones.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. 79 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2001

Karen Newbigging

Abstract

Details

Mental Health Review Journal, vol. 6 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-9322

Article
Publication date: 20 September 2011

Prosper F. Bangwayo‐Skeete and Precious Zikhali

The paper seeks to examine the impact of social exclusion on individuals' propensity to be employed and how, if employed, social exclusion affects individuals' perceived job…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper seeks to examine the impact of social exclusion on individuals' propensity to be employed and how, if employed, social exclusion affects individuals' perceived job insecurity and the likelihood of being covered by social insurance in their jobs.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the United Nations Development Program/United Nations Children Fund 2009 survey data from Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the paper employs comprehensive econometric methods that overcome challenges posed by endogeneity of social exclusion in labour market outcomes, self‐selection into employment, and the interdependency between perceptions of job security and social insurance coverage.

Findings

Results suggest that socially excluded individuals face hurdles in securing jobs and exhibit higher risk of job loss. Further, results suggest that a holistic educational policy could help promote social inclusion.

Practical implications

Formulation of policies aimed at promoting social inclusion and improved labour market outcomes should not be done in isolation; rather they should be based on a holistic understanding of the multi‐faceted nature of social exclusion.

Originality/value

The originality of the analysis is that it takes into account the multi‐dimensional nature of social exclusion by treating social exclusion as an outcome of a diverse set of an individual's socio‐economic characteristics that ultimately shape the way they feel about their exclusion or inclusion in their societies. This gives an indication of the types of people that are socially excluded and form the group for which a further investigation of labour market outcomes is conducted.

Details

International Journal of Development Issues, vol. 10 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1446-8956

Keywords

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