“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future. “
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Social inclusion can often be a slippery term that defies intelligent interpretation. At its simplest, it is the process of improving the terms on which individuals and groups take part in society—improving the ability, opportunity, and dignity of those disadvantaged on the basis of their identity.
Inclusion is not tolerance; it is unquestioned acceptance.
From a youth perspective, social inclusion is the process of individual’s self-realisation and fulfilment within a society; acceptance and validation of one’s potential by social institutions; integration (through study, sport, the creative world, employment, volunteer work or other forms of participation) in the fabric of social and communal relations in a society. In present-day European societies, the concept applies to all young people, as youth make the first and crucial steps in the rite of passage, the transition from family dependence to autonomy within a larger society. This is often a fast-revolving stage with rapidly emerging contexts, casts and circumstances.
It has an added marked meaning to those young people who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and live in insecure conditions. For them, social inclusion involves breaking down various barriers – including penury and prejudice – in order to acquire their social rights as full participating members of society.
According to the EU Statistical Office (Eurostat), in 2020, the rate of young people aged 16-29 years at risk of poverty or social exclusion in the EU was 24.1%, or 18.1 million young people, with women at slightly higher risk than men. For statistical purposes, social exclusion is based on three indicators: the at-risk-of-poverty rate, the severe material deprivation rate and the share of households with very low work intensity. People at risk of poverty or social exclusion are defined as people who are in at least one (but possibly two or all three) of these situations.
These stark statistics have gone some way towards focussing minds, channelling energies and directing EU policies towards the alleviation of this unacceptable situation. As is the norm, an institutional pledge embraces the collective call to arms:
The European Commission is making a commitment to the youth of Europe by acknowledging that it “needs the vision, engagement and participation of all young people to build a better future, that is greener, more inclusive and digital. Europe is striving to give young people more and better opportunities for the future.”
The ‘European Year of Youth’ moves into its third month and continues to shine a spotlight on the challenges and opportunities for youth, with funds and political promises amalgamated in arranged marriages. As youth voice and agency flexes its muscles, this year offers a timely opportunity for the Fund’s Family to profile their imaginative and far-reaching projects aimed at tackling the problems of social exclusion. This collective effort should be more than a window-dressing exercise, more than a vulgar visibility exercise; strategically channelled and coordinated it can evolve into a major advocacy movement that ensures that youth social exclusion is not just kept on the political agenda, but that the continuing pressure can be translated into meaningful and effective policies.
The anthem for such a campaign is eloquently articulated by the words of author Liz Fosslien:
‘Diversity is having a seat at the table
Inclusion is having a voice
Belonging is having that voice be heard’
