TOPIC 2.11: Social Inclusion / Exclusion

One of the concerns about the concept of social capital is whether government programs encourage social interactions and networks, as a means of revitalising disadvantaged communities might not divert attention from structural changes that have created such disadvantage in the first place. Such structural changes could, for example, have taken place in the labour market or in patterns of investment. Is the social capital debate therefore a distraction from the main game? Are government policies reinforcing economic and social disadvantage in some local areas?

The concept of social exclusion addresses some of these broader structural issues. The term originated in France (l’exclusion sociale) to refer to people at the margins of society who were excluded from the social insurance system. It was adopted and broadened by the European Union (EU) in order to rebrand controversial EU anti-poverty programs as a new approach to entrenched poverty and social disadvantage. Over time, there has been a tendency to use the term ‘social inclusion’ rather than ‘social exclusion’.

Social inclusion has continued to be a very important part of EU policy processes. The EU approach particularly emphasises an inclusive labour market as a means of promoting a socially cohesive society.

It recognises the importance of regeneration of areas of multiple deprivation, but locality-based approaches are only one component of the overall strategy.

Electronic media have provided increasing opportunities for digital citizen engagement and fostering e-democracy. Government utilizes tools, social networks and digital resources to create virtual networks of citizen consultation and citizen sourcing of expertise.