Margaret Lombe, Ph.D. GSSW, Boston College lombe@bc.edu Review of Approaches and Methods to Measure Social Inclusion and Cohesion Margaret Lombe, Ph.D. GSSW, Boston College lombe@bc.edu

Introduction The modern discussion of social exclusion/inclusion is strongest in Europe In fact it is within the European Union that comprehensive measures of inclusion exist Measurement of inclusion is essential At this point, little is known about the meaning of inclusion across nations and cultures

Introduction An important step in the measurement of inclusion may be to specify the meaning of inclusion in different contexts A next important step may be systematic data collection so that a knowledge base can begin to build on a global basis

Measuring Inclusion Measurement of inclusion should encompass several aspects and different units of analysis These may include laws and regulations that are designed to promote inclusion Attention could focus on: National level measures Community level measures Individual level measures

Measuring Inclusion The use of such measures in research can incorporate studies at several levels: - Case studies - Multiple, comparative case studies - Comparative surveys using national level data - Intensive surveys at the individual level - Cross-national, comparative surveys at the individual - Demonstration research

Review of Existing Approaches to Measuring Inclusion Some promising approaches include: - Indicators coming from the Center for the Analysis of Social Exclusion - Quality of Life Indicators - The Boston Indicators - The Freedom House Index - Social Inclusion Indicators - Well-being measures

Review of Existing Approaches to Measuring Inclusion Objectives of these indicators vary: They may include: - Monitoring the performance of communities, and nations in effort to promote inclusion - Assessing individual and household experiences of inclusion/exclusion - Assessing the extent of inclusion/exclusion locally, nationally, and across nations

Review of Existing Approaches to Measuring Inclusion The Social Exclusion/Inclusion Indicators - Attempt to measure inclusion by means of the five dimensions - Indicators cover three broad categories: economic, political, and social - Items on each dimensions are scored to create an index - Each index is then subjected to a factor analysis or Cronbach’s alpha

Review of Existing Approaches to Measuring Inclusion Limitations of Indicators The measures are numerically constrained The measures seem to lack cultural sensitivity - They do not adequately capture the process(es) of social exclusion/inclusion Measures may not be suitable for adoption Strengths of Indicators They have potential for broad applicability They reflect the main areas of participation They contain small number of items

Review of Existing Approaches to Measuring Inclusion Lessons learned from approach reviewed: The need for measures that have contextual relevance and a certain degree of universalism Large numbers of indicators may obscure development of meaningful measures Measures of inclusion tend to converge around key areas

Review of Existing Approaches to Measuring Inclusion Challenge for social inquiry: 1) Accessible 2) Measurable 3) Robust and valid 4) Reliable 5) Comparable across cultures 6) Sensitive to cultural diversity 7) Amenable to adaptation 8) Grounded in theory 9) Relevant 10) Timely