The Social Inclusion: Theoretical Development and Cross-Cultural Measurements

Social inclusion is a key outcome measure for health intervention and social services initiatives. However, there is currently no universal global measure of social inclusion with proven validity and reliability. This prevents accurate cross-cultural comparisons of the impact of social services and policy changes. To fill this void, the authors describe the theory and development of the Social and Community Opportunities Profile (SCOPE) developed in the United Kingdom as a measure of social inclusion. The SCOPE has since been translated and applied in Hong Kong, Poland, and Brazil with proven success in providing empirical evidence of social inclusion among the general public, persons with mental health issues, and immigrants. The first of its kind, this book presents and compares these studies, moving forward social inclusion research and encouraging adoption in academia and by social service providers. The conclusions will also enlighten policy makers at national, regional, and local levels responsible for designing strategies to improve the well-being of disadvantaged groups in society.