The origins, meaning, definition and economic implications of the concept social inclusion/exclusion: incorporating the core indicators developed by the European Union and other illustrative indicators that could identify and monitor social exclusion in Australia

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) commissioned the author to write a series of papers on social inclusion/exclusion in order to build the knowledge base on social inclusion. They do not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Government. This briefing paper begins by examining the meaning of ‘social exclusion’, first by looking at European Union indicators, and then at definitions to arrive at a ‘plain English’ definition and its main drivers, and the economic benefits of greater social inclusion. The second part of the paper deals with the...  [+] Show more

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) commissioned the author to write a series of papers on social inclusion/exclusion in order to build the knowledge base on social inclusion. They do not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Government. This briefing paper begins by examining the meaning of ‘social exclusion’, first by looking at European Union indicators, and then at definitions to arrive at a ‘plain English’ definition and its main drivers, and the economic benefits of greater social inclusion. The second part of the paper deals with the European Union framework of primary and secondary social inclusion indicators, highlighting acknowledged gaps.