Social inclusion emerged as a concept in the 1980s to address the rupture of the social bond between the individual or group and the community they live in. The underlying threat was that as people became disconnected from the community, there would be detrimental effects for the community as a whole.  

           


What is Poverty and Social Inclusion?

Social inclusion is the active process of strengthening the sense of belonging an individual or group has to their community. It ensures the fullest participation of all members of the community including minority groups such as travellers, older people, disabled people, refugees, asylum seekers, economic migrants, gay/lesbian/bisexual people etc. in decision making processes. By agencies (such as local authorities, health boards etc.) promoting and actively pursuing social inclusion policies, all people within a community can be supported and encouraged to participate in the life of their community. Sustainable social, economic and cultural development for all members of the community is more likely to be achieved by fostering social inclusion and equality.

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, which 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 which are considered the norm for other people in society.