Active social policies in the EU: Inclusion through participation?

Book abstract:

This book re-evaluates the effects of the 'Inclusion through Participation' (INPART) research project of 1998-1999. It sets out to redress the assumption that regular employment equals a secure route to inclusion. In doing so, the contributors draw on empirical research to assess problems of inclusion and exclusion in various forms of work, including activation programmes.

Broadly, the book discusses the question of inclusion through participation in various types of work, as well as providing a theoretical reflection on the activation debate and exploring the means by which activating welfare states can contribute to inclusion. Structured into three major sections, chapters two and three deal with the theoretical and conceptual framework for the research, and expand on the definitions of inclusion/exclusion, and the notion of activation. Chapters four to seven examine the extensive analysis and re-analysis of the project results based on these issues, and chapters eight and nine reflect on the overall project and its findings.

The book is aimed at students and all academics of social and labour market policies, as well as policy makers.