What is Social Inclusion?
Social Inclusion is defined by the EU as:
“a 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”.
What causes Social Exclusion?
The below factors may increase an individual or groups chances of experiencing social exclusion:
- Unemployment
- Poor / low levels of education
- Gender
- Age
- Sexuality
- Where you live (ie Urban poverty/ rural disadvantage)
- Belonging to an ethnic minority
- Homelessness
- Having a disability
- Poor health
- Being a lone parent
Who is at risk of Social Exclusion?
- Early school leavers
- People experiencing unemployment
- Travellers and people from other ethnic minority groups
- Women
- Older people
- Children
- People with disabilities
- Lone parents
- Gay, lesbian & transgender people
- Older men living in rural locations
- Prisoners / Ex-prisoners
Defining Poverty
“People are living in poverty if their income and resources (material, cultural and social) are so inadequate as to preclude them from having a standard of living that is regarded as acceptable by Irish society generally. As a result of inadequate income and resources people may be excluded and marginalised from participating in activities that are considered the norm for other people in society.” (National Anti-Poverty Strategy).
Being at ‘risk of poverty’ describes those who earn 60% below the median national income. In 2007, the median national income was €11,890. Consistent Poverty is a term used to describe those at ‘risk of poverty’ who are unable to afford 2 or more items of the following Measure of Deprivation:
- Two pairs of strong shoes
- A warm waterproof coat
- To buy new, not secondhand, clothes
- To eat a meal with meat, chicken or fish every second day
- To have a roast joint of meat once a week
- To go without heating through lack of money
- To keep the home adequately warm
- To buy presents for family or friends at least once a year
- To replace worn-out furniture
- Have family or friends for a drink or meal once a month
- Have a morning, afternoon or evening out once a fortnight
