Social inclusion and community cohesion

Social inclusion

The Government has defined social exclusion as:

`A shorthand term for what can happen when people or areas suffer from a combination of linked problems such as unemployment, poor skills, low incomes, unfair discrimination, poor housing, high crime, bad health and family breakdown.'

It is important to understand that social exclusion is not the same as poverty. It is often caused by poverty but there are people living above the poverty line who can be socially excluded, for example frail older people. The term social exclusion seeks to capture the less tangible aspects that we associate with being poor, such as low morale, isolation from social or spiritual networks or cultural resources.

It can be difficult for young people to get secure housing because of;

  • The pace of modern life,
  • family members scattering,
  • people relocating.

This makes it difficult to secure housing where they grew up.

There is a widening gulf between IT literate people and those who have little or no knowledge of IT skills.  The closure of local services and the dependence on the car, can make communities very different to what they were a generation or two ago, when social and family networks were stronger.

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Community cohesion

Community cohesion is more difficult to define and therefore measure.  We have seen the results elsewhere in the country when it breaks down and results in strife and disharmony between groups within communities.

Community cohesion breaks down not from the presence of differences amongst groups of people in our communities but from social, economic and environmental problems, which undermine feelings of trust and security.  Community cohesion is strongest where people have the opportunity and the capacity to participate in their community as fully as they wish and on an equal basis with others.  It is therefore integral to addressing the risks associated with social exclusion.

A cohesive community is one where:

  • there is a common vision and a sense of belonging for all communites
  • the diversity of people's different backgrounds and circumstances are appreciated and positively valued
  • those from different backgrounds have similar life opportunities
  • strong and positive relationships are being developed between people from different backgrounds in the workplace, in schools and within neighbourhoods.