ABS: 4250.0.55.001 - Perspectives on Education and Training: Social Inclusion, 2009
Date published :
15
August
2011
Introduction
'Social inclusion' refers to opportunities, resources, and
human capability. Most generally, it is understood as the extent to
which both individuals and populations have the choice and capacity
to participate in society (Hayes, Gray and Edwards, 2008;
Australian Social Inclusion Board, 2010). Education is particularly
important to the concept of social inclusion since it helps equip
people with the necessary life-skills and qualifications to
establish social networks, make informed choices, and participate
in cultural, economic and political life (Klasen, 2000). Education,
therefore, acts as a strong protective factor against social
exclusion, that is, the lack of opportunity, capability and
resources for societal engagement. This is especially true for 'at
risk' population groups such as people who have a mental illness or
disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse
(CALD) backgrounds, and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds
who are subject to inter-generational disadvantage. Although having
these particular 'at risk' characteristics does not necessarily
mean that people will experience social exclusion, people in these
situations are more likely to face barriers to participation in
society because of their circumstances (Klasen, 2000, pp.4-5).
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