Understanding Social Inclusion
Social Inclusion from a Youth Perspective
What is social exclusion?
Social exclusion refers to processes that prevent individuals, groups or communities from accessing the rights, opportunities and resources that are normally available to members of society.
In general, young people face many challenges in order to fully participate in society. Often they are marginalised because of their lack of experience, e.g. on the labour market or they do not have the financial and legal means to gain equal access to institutions. Additionally, the media often portrays young people as perpetrators of violence which further drives stigmatisation.
At the same time, we need to be aware that some young people are more at risk of social exclusion than others, these include young people with disabilities, ethnic, sexual and religious minorities, homeless youth, young offenders etc. Newly arrived migrants in European societies are especially at risk of exclusion, as they experience higher levels of poverty, less access to the labour market, language barriers and legal status.
What is social inclusion?
From a youth perspective social inclusion is the process of individual’s self-realisation within a society, acceptance and recognition of one’s potential by institutions, participation through studies, employment, volunteering etc. in a community. Young people who come from vulnerable communities (e.g. migrants) are in special need of support. Social inclusion involves breaking various barriers before acquiring the same social rights as full members of society.
What is the role of youth organisations?
Youth organisations across Europe promote and enable active youth participation and many specifically focus on vulnerable groups. They are often the key player for the inclusion of young people if formal structures are missing. The Swedish youth organisation Fryshuset has more than 35 years of experience working on social inclusion especially for youth who have fewer opportunities.
In the video project manager Shade Amao Forssman explains how Fryshuset designs and implements projects for social inclusion of young people.
Criteria for meaningful youth inclusion
Safe Space
Having a clear intend to reduce potential social barriers for young people to engage and feel supported.
Youth-Led
Involving youth in every phase of the project process and giving the decision-making power to them.
Respect
Valuying young people’s contributions and considering their needs.
Active Listening
Providing spaces for young people to articulate their ideas and share their experiences.
‘Youth Inclusion means that the voices of young people actually matter’
Fryshuset’s advice for planning youth projects
In the video Fryshuset’s project manager Shade Amao Forssman shares tips for young people and social workers on how to plan projects that meaningfully include young people.
Advice for young people
Find Partners
Look for organisations, companies, friends, etc. who share your values and vision.
Map out the project
Write down what it is exactly that you are trying to change and develop with you project.
Be kind to yourself
Everybody makes mistakes, you are not alone. Accept challenges and learn from them.
Advice for people working with youth
Show, don't tell!
Be a role model and act according to your values, rather than telling young people what to do.
Demand in a loving way!
Be a mentor and create demands but act in a forgiving and loving way.
Learn from mistakes!
Nobody is perfect! Celebrate mistakes as opportunity to grow.
