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The concepts of social inclusion and social exclusion are closely linked to poverty, but have a different connotation. Whereas poverty is a certain condition in which an individual or household may find itself, social inclusion and social exclusion are processes that operate at the level of a given society and may give rise to, prevent or alleviate poverty.
The European Commission defines social exclusion as “a process whereby certain individuals are pushed to the edge of society and prevented from participating fully by virtue of their poverty, or lack of basic competencies and lifelong learning opportunities, or as a result of discrimination. This distances them from job, income and education opportunities as well as social and community networks and activities. They have little access to power and decision-making bodies and thus often feeling powerless and unable to take control over the decisions that affect their day to day lives”. [1]
Social inclusion, on the other hand, is defined as: ‘The process which ensures that those at risk of poverty and social exclusion gain the opportunities and resources necessary to participate fully in economic, social and cultural life and to enjoy a standard of living and well-being that is considered normal in the society in which they live. It ensures that they have greater participation in decision making which affects their lives and access to their fundamental rights’[2].
The definitions of social inclusion and exclusion share the multidimensional perspective of the poverty concept: they relate to different spheres of society, including the educational system, the labour market, cultural life and political decision making. Both concepts put a strong emphasis on capabilities: social exclusion leaves households and individuals with very little control over their future, whereas social inclusion is a process that enables.
Clearly, social inclusion and exclusion are complex processes, involving many different actors that remain unspecified in the original definitions. The notions of ‘social protection’ and ‘active inclusion’ could be considered as making more explicit reference to actors and their respective roles in fostering social inclusion.
The concept of social protection is closely related to the concept of social inclusion, but has a strong focus on policy intervention. It refers to “ measures put in place to provide a minimum standard of welfare and to protect citizens against the risks of inadequate income associated with unemployment, illness, disability, old age, the cost of raising a family, or the death of a spouse or parent. Social protection includes social insurance benefits (e.g. provision of pensions) as well as universal access to services such as healthcare and long-term care ” [3] . The concept of social protection implies a role for public authorities (more specifically of the Member States) in guaranteeing adequate incomes and universal access to services.
More recent years have seen the emergence of the concept of active inclusion within the realm of the OMC. The concept refers to “a strategy aimed at facilitating the integration into sustainable, quality employment for thosewho can work, providing resources which are sufficient to live in dignity, together with supportfor social participation, for those who cannot work”. [4] To some extent, the notion of active inclusion illustrates growing attention to the mutual interaction between the Lisbon objectives of greater economic growth, more and better jobs and greater social cohesion, and with the EU's Sustainable Development Strategy.
Indeed, while arguments of social justice are an important foundation for the European Union’s concern with social protection and social inclusion, the process takes a holistic view and is part of an integrated socio-economic strategy. It emphasizes the positive interaction between economic, employment and social protection policies. Increasingly, social protection is considered as a productive factor, ensuring that efficient, dynamic, modern economies are built on solid foundations and on social justice. Furthermore, the concept of active inclusion makes reference to both adequacy of income support and sustainability of employment and social protection systems. These concepts feature prominently in the overarching objectives of the OMC, and in the objectives regarding social inclusion, pensions and health and long-term care.
[1] European Commission. Joint Report on Social Inclusion 2004. [2] European Commission. Joint Report on Social Inclusion 2004. [3] European Commission. Social Protection, Social Inclusion Glossary. Key terms explained. [4] European Commission. Social Protection, Social Inclusion Glossary. Key terms explained. |
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