Social Inclusion/Social Capital
New
Approaches for Addressing Poverty and Exclusion
Policy Research Initiative, Government of Canada
In recent years, there has been a great deal
of change in the way developed countries perceive issues of poverty
and exclusion. New data have allowed a better understanding of the
dynamics of poverty, its persistence over the course of life, and
the identification of groups at risk. The PRI is collaborating with
other federal departments in a systematic exploration of the potential
implications for policy-making of these newer ways of perceiving
poverty and exclusion.
Social
Capital as a Public Policy Tool
Policy Research Initiative
People and communities with good access to a
diverse mix of social capital tend to be more ‘hired, housed,
healthy and happy. Although views about the precise definition of
social capital differ, social capital is essentially about the ways
in which one's social relationships provide access to needed information,
resources and supports.
This project is critically assessing
the potential role and contribution of social capital in the achievement
of federal policy objectives by working with departments to:
• develop an operational definition and rigorous framework
for the analysis and measurement of social capital;
• identify key policy and program areas where social capital
may play an important role in attaining policy objectives; and
• incorporate what we learn into a strategic set of recommendations
for testing new approaches, improved measurement, and policy action.
Social
Inclusion: A new social policy barometer (2004) — pdf
Edmonton Social Planning Council Newsletter
A good backgrounder on social and economic inclusion,
and presents projects and initiatives currently underway in this
area.
What
is Social Capital? — pdf
Community Life Organization, Australia
A brief explanation of the concept of social
capital and its impact on health and well-being, from an Australian
community-based suicide prevention organization.
Social
Capital as a Health Determinant: How is it Defined? (2002) —
pdf
Health Canada, Working Paper Series
This report is a summary of social capital research
commissioned by the Policy Research Division, Strategic Policy Directorate,
Population and Public Health Branch, Health Canada. The work attempts
to clarify the place of social capital among the social determinants
of health. The report:
• analyzes the documentation on the origins of this concept
and its use in the health field
• sets out four approaches in the area of social determinants
of health (community health, social capital, socio-economic inequality
and social cohesion). Research demonstrating the positive effects
of social capital on health is also presented.
• briefly reviews the various methods used to measure social
capital, as well as the indicators commonly used in research on
the subject.
• explores the development of policies aimed at strengthening
social capital
Également disponible en français sous le titre:
Le capital social comme déterminant de la santé
: Comment le définir ?
Social
Capital – Resources and Links
Paul
Bullen Management Alternatives for Human Services
The wide variety of resources and links on this
site provide an introduction to social capital and its measurement,
particularly from an Australian perspective.
Health
and Social Policy is Everyone’s Business: Collaboration and
Social Inclusion in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island (2000)
— pdf
Atlantic Centre for Excellence in Women’s Health
This paper focuses on the importance of social
inclusion in both the policy process and the need for policies themselves
in order to assure health and well being.
by Ruth Schneider and the Nova Scotia/Prince Edward Island Reference
Group
34 pages
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