Analysing and measuring social inclusion in a global context.

Abstract

The present study is concerned with social inclusion, seen here as the process by which societies combat poverty and social exclusion. In order for policies for social inclusion to be developed and implemented, the factors working against social inclusion, namely, poverty and social exclusion, have to be understood. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the analytical and operational relevance of the measurement of poverty and social exclusion, and to describe how such measures could be put in place. “Social exclusion” is defined here as the involuntary exclusion of individuals and groups from society’s political, economic and societal processes, which prevents their full participation in the society in which they live. “Poverty” is defined as the lack of economic resources, and so defined, is an important cause of social exclusion in as much as the lack of those resources prevents participation. However, there are other important dimensions of social exclusion, which encompasses a broader (complex and multi-dimensional) set of concerns. Combating poverty and social exclusion through a process of social inclusion is intended to create a “society for all”. The achievement of social inclusion requires that both poverty and social exclusinon will be addressed in a balanced way