Acta Universitatis Danubius. Œconomica, Vol 13, No 3 (2017)

Abstract

Social inclusion is one of the interesting topics of our times, taking attention in both political realm and scientific inquiry. For instance, social inclusion is considered among the main goals of rural development programmes (Shortall, 2008), within the mega-events such as Vancouver Olympics in 2010 (Vanwynsberghe et. al., 2013), related to maintaining mental health (Repper & Perkins, 2003) and even subject to transportation policies (Pagliara & Biggiero, 2017). By definition, social inclusion is about making sure all individuals are able to participate as valued, respected and contributing members of the society on the basis of five principles: valued recognition, human development, involvement and engagement, proximity and material well-being (Donnelly & Coakley, 2002). Social inclusion plays a key role in creating a stable social order premised on social action; however it is dependent on the openness of political structures in a country (Shortall, 2008).