Charles University European social policy Prof.PhDr.Potucek Martin, CSc., MSc. Group: A3 31 st March 2008

Structure (Part One) ‏ Definition of social inclusion Models of social inclusion Why should we fight against poverty? Vulnerable groups

Social Inclusion Exact definition does not exist A process away from exclusion Definition?

The European Social Fund´s definition: The development of capacity and opportunity to play a full role, not only in economic terms, but also in social, psychological and political terms.

The United Nations definition: An inclusive society must be based on respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms, cultural and religious diversity, social justice and the special needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, democratic participation and the rule of law.

Material well-being is a key dimension of social inclusion There are other dimensions such as „community cohesion“ or social capital as well

Theoretical models of social inclusion (Ruth Levitas) ‏ The redistributionist discourse The moral underclass discourse The social integrationist discourse

The Redistributionist discourse (RED) ‏ Emphasis on income inequality and poverty reduction Social exclusion stems from poverty Redistribution of sources and of power Approves social benefits The excluded lack: money Ideological background: Social Democracy

The Moral underclass discourse (MUD) ‏ Poverty and exclusion are caused by the behaviour of individuals and their „subcultures“ Social benefits cause dependency The excluded lack: morals Ideological background: Neo-konservatism

The social integrationist discourse (SID) ‏ Equal participation Equal access to opportunities Emphasis on labour market participation The excluded lack: work Ideological background: The „Third way“

Social inclusion is achievable by reductions in poverty, through employment and by reducing income inequality. Becoming socially included is the responsibility of both society and individuals themselves.

Note on terminology Poverty and social exclusion are closely related concepts (often used interchangeably) but they are not identical Poverty is mainly about lack of money Social exclusion is a broader concept (multi-dimensional) ‏

Why should we fight against poverty? Solidarity is a hallmark of the EU Building a more inclusive Europe is vital to achieve the European Union´s goals of sustained economic growth, more and better jobs and greater social cohesion.

Why should we fight against poverty? II Poverty means absence of freedom Poverty is a moral problem Poverty is a problem of social justice, citizenship and of inequality

Poverty as an absence of freedom The poor cannot live in accordance with their aspirations (e.g. good education) ‏ The poverty does not give them any choice Poverty is often passed from one generation to another („hereditary poverty“) ‏

Poverty as a moral problem The poor are unwillingly deprived (undeserving poor) ‏ It is legitimate to expect help from others On grounds of social solidarity Social solidarity is understood as universal Social exclusion of some individuals or groups makes solidarity selective Social cohesion is based on universal solidarity

Poverty as a problem of citizenship The concept of „full citizenship“  Citizenship should guarantee the access to the economic, political, social and cultural system of the society. Equal civil, political and social rights through citizenship Legitimity of the existent social order A society that tolerates social exclusion cannot be called open nor cohesive.

Vulnerable Groups Certain groups of people face higher risk of poverty and social exclusion compared to the general population Certain areas are marked by exclusion and by poverty Rural areas Disadvantaged neighbourhoods

Vulnerable Groups II People with disabilities Minorities (ethnic, religious, etc.) ‏ Migrants Homeless people Ex-prisoners Drug and alcohol addicts Isolated older people Children Lone parents (mothers) ‏ Unemployed (long-term) ‏

Ethnic minorities Esp. the Roma (but not only) ‏ Have been rarely accepted as full members of the wider societies in which they live Have been in Europe already for many centuries

Migrants and Asylum seekers Are defined as disadvantaged in almost every member state of the EU Typical for them are: Greater unemployment rates Lower income in employment Homelessness Criminal propensity Often excluded politically (no right to vote) ‏ And socially (no right to social benefits) ‏

Children Vicious circle – passing poverty from generation to generation Child poverty is a denial of children´s rights

Ringen, S.: The Problem of Poverty – Some Recommendations on Definition and Measurement. Czech Sociological Review, 2005, Vol. 41, No. 1: Valentova,M. (2003): European Social Monitoring. At: ing.pdf Mareš, P. (2006): Faktory sociálního vyloučení. At:

social/spsi/child_poverty_en.htm social/spsi/active_inclusion_en.htm social/spsi/poverty_social_exclusion_en.htm vulnerable_groups_en.htm

Structure (Part Two)‏  EU inclusion policies  EAPN European anti poverty network development, objectives, principles, structure  Lobbying the EU  The Social Inclusion Strategy

EU inclusion policies  EU poverty programmes 1-3 ( ) ‏  Amsterdam Treaty (1997)  The Lisbon Agenda/Strategy 2000 (-2010) The OMC on Employment … on Social Protection and Social Inclusion  The (re-vised) Social Agenda ( ) (includes plan for a Community intiative on minimum income schmemes; better labour market policies; 2010 Year of combating exclusion and poverty) ‏  Structural Funds (new regulations ) ‏  Services of General Interest

HISTORY  June 1989 : Anti-poverty conference of 200 NGO activists, with European Commission support, mandated a provisional group to prepare the creation of a European Network  June December 1990 : EAPN’s Statutes were adopted by a constituent assembly  1992 Secretariat in Brussels opened

DEVELOPMENT  11 networks in 1990  German network in 1991  Networks in Austria and Finland in 1995  Swedish network in 1998  Bulgarian network in 2003  Hungarian, Maltese and Czech networks in 2004  Norwegian and Cypus networks in 2005

GOALS To empower people and communities facing poverty and social exclusion to access their rights, to enable them to overcome their isolation and counter their social exclusion.

OBJECTIVES 1.to put the fight against poverty and social exclusion on the political agenda of the EU 2.to promote and enhance the effectiveness of actions against poverty and social exclusion 3.to lobby for and with people and groups facing poverty and social exclusion

Current OBJECTIVES 1 To build a strong and sustainable alliance of representative and participative National Networks and European Organisations involved in the fight against poverty and social exclusion. 2 To empower groups and organisations active in the fight against poverty and social exclusion to understand, influence and contribute to EU policy

Current OBJECTIVES 3 To contribute, influence and monitor the development and implementation of effective and inclusive policies and actions against poverty and social exclusion in the European Union and the member states. 4 To mobilise the society in favour of policies to fight against poverty and social exclusion. 5 To contribute towards making the international context favourable to the fight against poverty and social exclusion

PRINCIPLES  A rights-based approach  Mainstreaming  Participation  Partnership  Solidarity

STRUCTURE EAPN is a network of: 21 national networks of anti-poverty NGOs and grassroots groups (in the EU) ‏ European-wide organisations mainly active on poverty and social exclusion The General Assembly meets annually and elects a 24-member Executive Committee for three years

ACTIVITIES Lobbying Analysis Information Exchange Training

KEY LOBBYING AREAS EU commitment to the fight against poverty and social exclusion European Social Inclusion Strategy Structural Funds – new framework Employment strategy Enlargement – impact and priorities

The Lisbon Agenda The Lisbon agenda (2000): a new strategic goal for the next decade “The Union shall become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion” Economic Growth Employment Social Cohesion

The Social Inclusion Strategy The Social Inclusion Strategy was launched by the Lisbon council ”to make a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty by 2010”

Common Objectives 1.To facilitate participation in employment and access by all to resources, goods and services 2.To prevent the risk of exclusion 3.To help the most vulnerable 4.To mobilise all relevant bodies

Challenges … Rise of neo-liberalism and national and EU levels Redefinition of the ‘Lisbon Agenda’ Reductions in social welfare (or slow rises) due to budget restraints Work and ‘activation’ Racism and growing attacks on migrants and minorities Still more then 68 mio people living in poverty

Strengthening the strategy Stronger commitment to a rights based approach Countering myths: economic growth is not synonym of a healthy society Greater impact on economic, employment and other policies Mainstreaming and poverty-proofing in all areas

Strengthening the strategy Participation and partnership – NGOs as key actors Better participation of people experiencing poverty Enforced visibility and accountability Clear commission recommendations Stronger role of European and National Parliaments A European Observatory on Poverty - Re-discuss and -define poverty; develop poverty statistics - Development of Social Standards

“The poor cannot wait!” At least 68 Mio people in the EU today experience poverty and social exclusion. We therefore must not lose sight of of the Lisbon objectives. Let us imagine a Europe where poverty and exclusion are eradicated. Let us work and network towards a social Europe for all! Let us build the EU we want! A EU that provides a good life for all!

Europa.eu/scadplus/leg/en/s02312.htm Stk.bilgi.edu.tr/docs/EAPN_0604_turkez1.ppt ion ion