Dimensions of social inclusion

These elements of social exclusion and inclusion operate almost at all dimensions of life such as social, cultural, spatial, political, legal, etc. (See the following figure), and cannot be limited to only one aspect of social life. Thus all type of actions concerning social inclusion should aim for covering maximum number of dimensions of social inclusion. Discrimination for example, cannot be addressed only through the social dimension, but also through educational, legal, cultural, and political dimensions. In terms of education, we need to examine if there is equal access to formal and informal education for all, and if certain groups of children (differing in for example ethnicity, gender, or religion) may be excluded, if there are discriminatory policies and legal regulations. It is necessary, therefore, to focus on all relevant policies in multiple dimensions to be able to address and explore issues related to social inclusion (DESA 2009, p. 16). Here a multidimensional and multi-level approach is required.

The process of social inclusion requires acting on different levels simultaneously starting from individual, household to community and local level, to regional and national levels (UN DESA 2009, 13). Thus it is crucial to acknowledge and take into account the individual level of engagements such as the perceptions and experiences of individuals, their ideas, feelings, and skills and competences.

In addition to these dimensions, World Bank (WB) (2013) identifies three interrelated domains for social inclusion within a more comprehensive framework: markets (land, housing, labour, credit), services (information, social protection, electricity, transport, education, health and water), and spaces (political, physical, cultural and social) in which the individuals should be included and these three domains represent both barriers to and opportunities for inclusion (p. 8). In the same report, WB suggests enhancing social inclusion by improving ability, opportunity and dignity of the individuals with disadvantaged backgrounds. It is crucial to treat people with respect and to recognize their abilities, perspectives, past and present experiences and giving them opportunities to be part of their communities in order to enhance social inclusion.

Author responsible of this learning unit: Filiz Keser Aschenberger, Danube University Krems