Format

T17P05. Social Inclusion in Transition: A Crossroads of Conceptualization, Measurement, and Policy in Global Contexts

Inequalities
PANEL CHAIR(S)
A. BEN BRIK, PHD
Main chair
V. MISHRA
Second chair
CATEGORISATION
POLICY TOPIC
Inequalities
SECTOR
KEYWORDS
GENERAL OBJECTIVES, RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND SCIENTIFIC RELEVANCE

OBJECTIVE:
The workshop aims to explore and redefine the conceptualization, measurement, and operationalization of social inclusion and exclusion within the context of comparative social policy. In the face of contemporary challenges such as climate change, pandemics, shifts in the global order, and geopolitical tensions, social exclusion has become increasingly prevalent both within and between nations. This workshop seeks to synthesize existing literature, identify gaps, and propose novel frameworks to address the complex dynamics of social in/exclusion in the era of transitional times.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS:
·      What are the theoretical, conceptual, and definitional frameworks for social inclusion and exclusion, and how have they evolved over time?
·      How have social inclusion and exclusion been measured, and what are the implications for developing effective social policy?
·      How do conceptual and measurement approaches to social in/exclusion vary in comparative contexts?
·      What developments in these frameworks would enhance the effectiveness of social inclusion policies in addressing contemporary global challenges?
·      How can social in/exclusion be analyzed in the context of specific global challenges, such as climate change, pandemics, changes in the global order, and war?
STATE OF THE ART:
Contemporary challenges, including political instability, polarization, and exclusionary policies, necessitate a critical reexamination of social inclusion and exclusion concepts. While there has been relative consistency in their conceptual use, rapid developments in measurement underscore the need for a reexamination of the concepts. The workshop will explore the theoretical history, conceptualization, and operationalization of social in/exclusion, considering its dynamic and multidimensional nature.
HYPOTHESES:
·      Social in/exclusion is a dynamic spectrum influenced by individual vulnerabilities, structural conditions, and discrimination.
·      Measurement approaches need to account for the multidimensional, multilevel, dynamic, and relational essence of social in/exclusion.
·      Novel conceptual and measurement frameworks are required to align with the realities of transitional times.
 
CONTEXT:
In the face of unprecedented global challenges, ranging from climate change and pandemics to shifts in the global order and geopolitical tensions, our societies are undergoing significant transitions. These transformative times have not only shaped the trajectory of nations but have also given rise to increased social exclusion, both within countries and across international borders. As our world grapples with these multifaceted challenges, social exclusion has emerged as a pervasive issue, manifesting in diverse forms and impacting individuals and communities on a global scale. Within this context, our understanding of social inclusion and exclusion becomes crucial. These concepts, integral to the fabric of social policy, demand careful examination and refinement to address the evolving nature of contemporary challenges. Political instability, polarization, and the implementation of exclusionary policies in various nations have further underscored the urgency of revisiting the conceptualization, measurement, and operationalization of social in/exclusion. Globally, numerous nations are grappling with exclusionary policies, signaling a need for a collective reevaluation of how social inclusion is conceptualized and practically implemented in the face of such transitional times.
Recognizing the complex interplay between social in/exclusion and the broader challenges confronting our world, this workshop seeks to provide a platform for scholars, researchers, and practitioners to come together. By delving into the theoretical underpinnings, measurement methodologies, and comparative perspectives on social inclusion and exclusion, the workshop aims to offer insights that can inform the development of effective social policies. The overarching goal is not only to understand the historical development and current state of social in/exclusion but also to propose innovative conceptual and measurement frameworks. These frameworks, grounded in the multidimensional, multilevel, dynamic, and relational essence of social in/exclusion, aim to contribute to the design and evaluation of social inclusion policies that can effectively counteract the trends towards exclusion observed in our transitional era.
Against this backdrop, we invite scholars from diverse disciplines to actively engage in this workshop. By critically examining existing knowledge, identifying gaps, and proposing novel approaches, participants can contribute to the ongoing discourse on social inclusion and exclusion. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of these complex concepts and develop actionable frameworks that will guide policymakers in addressing social in/exclusion amidst the challenges of our times.
This workshop is not only an intellectual exploration but also a call to action—a collective effort to reshape the narrative on social inclusion and exclusion in a world undergoing profound transformations. We look forward to your participation and contributions to this timely and essential dialogue.
AGENDA
The workshop agenda is thoughtfully curated to facilitate an insightful exploration of the reconceptualization of social inclusion and exclusion in transitional times. It kicks off with an introduction that sets the stage by highlighting the pressing need for revisiting these concepts amid contemporary challenges. The theoretical underpinnings of social inclusion and exclusion are thoroughly examined, tracing their evolution over time and considering the implications for effective social policy. A dedicated session follows, focusing on the measurement approaches to these dynamic concepts, considering their multidimensional, multilevel, and relational essence. The workshop then shifts gears to propose novel conceptual and measurement frameworks, drawing from a synthesis of existing literature. Participants will engage in group discussions to explore practical applications of these frameworks. This workshop aims to provide a holistic understanding of social inclusion and exclusion, offering both theoretical insights and practical applications for scholars and practitioners engaged in the field.
 
POSSIBLE PAPERS:
Participants are invited to submit papers that offer significant contributions to the discourse on reconceptualizing social inclusion and exclusion in transitional times. The workshop encourages papers that align with the following themes, each explored through key questions:
 
·      How have theoretical frameworks for social inclusion and exclusion evolved over time?
·      What cultural variations exist in these theoretical foundations, and how do they shape our understanding of these concepts in diverse societies?
·      What are the historical approaches to measuring social in/exclusion, and how have they evolved?
·      What challenges exist in current measurement methodologies, and how can we innovate to capture the dynamic and multidimensional nature of these concepts?
·      How do different nations approach social inclusion policies in response to contemporary challenges?
·      What successes and challenges have been observed in the implementation of social inclusion policies within various cultural and political contexts?
·      How does social inclusion or exclusion impact health outcomes at both individual and societal levels?
·      What strategies can be implemented to integrate health considerations into the development of effective social inclusion policies?
·      How do political instability and polarization influence social inclusion policies?
·      What recent policy changes in specific geopolitical contexts have implications for marginalized groups, and how can policies be reformed?
·      How do social inclusion, social capital, and social citizenship intersect and influence each other?
·      Can a more integrated framework be developed that considers the dynamic and relational essence of these concepts?
·      What are examples of successful social inclusion policies in addressing contemporary challenges?
·      How have these policies effectively mitigated social exclusion, and what lessons can be learned for future policy development?
·      How can existing literature be synthesized to propose novel conceptual and measurement frameworks for social inclusion and exclusion?
·      In what ways can these frameworks address the multidimensional, multilevel, and relational aspects of these concepts?
 
Authors are encouraged to submit papers that engage deeply with these themes, addressing the key questions to enrich the workshop's discussions and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on reconceptualizing social inclusion and exclusion in transitional times.

CALL FOR PAPERS

We invite scholars, researchers, and practitioners to contribute to a dynamic and thought-provoking workshop on " Social Inclusion in Transition." In the face of unprecedented global challenges—ranging from climate change and pandemics to shifts in the global order and geopolitical tensions—our societies are navigating significant transitions. This workshop aims to foster an inclusive dialogue that critically examines and redefines the conceptualization, measurement, and operationalization of social inclusion and exclusion.
 
Authors are encouraged to submit papers that align with the following themes, exploring key questions:
·      How have theoretical frameworks for social inclusion and exclusion evolved over time?
·      What cultural variations exist in these theoretical foundations, and how do they shape our understanding of these concepts in diverse societies?
·      What are the historical approaches to measuring social in/exclusion, and how have they evolved?
·      What challenges exist in current measurement methodologies, and how can we innovate to capture the dynamic and multidimensional nature of these concepts?
·      How do different nations approach social inclusion policies in response to contemporary challenges?
·      What successes and challenges have been observed in the implementation of social inclusion policies within various cultural and political contexts?
·      How does social inclusion or exclusion impact health outcomes at both individual and societal levels?
·      What strategies can be implemented to integrate health considerations into the development of effective social inclusion policies?
·      How do political instability and polarization influence social inclusion policies?
·      What recent policy changes in specific geopolitical contexts have implications for marginalized groups, and how can policies be reformed?
·      How do social inclusion, social capital, and social citizenship intersect and influence each other?
·      Can a more integrated framework be developed that considers the dynamic and relational essence of these concepts?
·      What are examples of successful social inclusion policies in addressing contemporary challenges?
·      How have these policies effectively mitigated social exclusion, and what lessons can be learned for future policy development?
·      How can existing literature be synthesized to propose novel conceptual and measurement frameworks for social inclusion and exclusion?
·      In what ways can these frameworks address the multidimensional, multilevel, and relational aspects of these concepts?
The desired outcome of the workshop is the production of an edited volume. Therefore, we encourage original contributions from diverse disciplines such as psychology, sociology, economics, political science, education, and public policy, employing varied methodologies. The workshop welcomes research from across the humanities and social sciences, spanning social and political theorists, psychologists, philosophers, cultural theorists, and researchers in public policy. Theoretical and/or empirical contributions with a comparative and regional perspective are equally encouraged. Papers may focus on a single-country case or propose cross-country analyses.

ABSTRACT
The workshop is designed to be a dynamic platform for scholars, researchers, and practitioners to collectively explore and redefine the conceptualization, measurement, and operationalization of social inclusion and exclusion. In the midst of contemporary challenges, including climate change, pandemics, shifts in the global order, and geopolitical tensions, social exclusion has intensified both within and between nations. The overarching objective of the workshop is to analyze the complex dynamics of social in/exclusion in the era of transitional times. The exploration is guided by critical research questions, addressing the theoretical, conceptual, and definitional frameworks for social inclusion and exclusion, measurement approaches, variations in comparative contexts, and developments that can enhance the effectiveness of social inclusion policies. Grounded in the context of unprecedented global challenges, the workshop recognizes the urgency of revisiting these concepts amid political instability, polarization, and the implementation of exclusionary policies worldwide. The theoretical history, conceptualization, and operationalization of social in/exclusion will be thoroughly examined, considering their dynamic and multidimensional nature. The workshop's hypotheses posit social in/exclusion as a dynamic spectrum influenced by individual vulnerabilities, structural conditions, and discrimination, and advocate for novel conceptual and measurement frameworks aligned with the realities of transitional times. The workshop invites participants to contribute papers addressing key questions across various themes, fostering a comprehensive dialogue on reconceptualizing social inclusion and exclusion in the face of contemporary global challenges. The workshop is envisioned not only as an intellectual exploration but as a collective effort to guide policymakers in developing effective social inclusion policies amidst the profound transformations of our times.