Justice concept

Justice concept – Social inclusion

Social inclusion is “the process of improving the terms of participation in society for people who are disadvantaged on the basis of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status, through enhanced opportunities, access to resources, voice and respect for rights” (United Nations, 2916). Social inclusion is defined in the SGDs however, the concept encompasses a broader set of concerns than the ones highlighted in the SDGs (United Nations,2016). Social inclusion is a multidimensional concept that requires multiple barriers to be removed to tackle social exclusion and promote social inclusion (United nations,2016). The barriers that need to be removed and overcome are, helping socially excluded people and communities overcome inequality and disadvantage which arise from individual circumstances, promotion of equal opportunities while also addressing wider social needs (The Charity Commission, 2001). The promotion of social inclusion reduces inequalities, injustices and exclusions consequently improving quality of life and the formation of resilience amongst communities.

Social inclusion and the transition to net zero

The concept of social inclusion is vital in the transition to net zero. The transition to net zero opens the opportunities for positive social change achieving a ‘just transition (Middlemiss, et al., 2024). However, these positive changes are not guaranteed and concerns regarding social inclusion arise in the transition (Middlemiss, et al., 2024). There is substantial concern that people already disadvantaged are at risk of being disproportionately affected by the transition towards net zero (Middlemiss, et al., 2024). These concerns arise as the transition does not take into account diversity rather takes a universal ‘one size fits all’ approach (Middlemiss et al., 2023). People’s experiences of a transition to net zero will be shaped by their existing lived experiences. A particular group that’s lived experience may negatively impact their experience in the transition to net zero are low-income households. Low-income households are both patterned socially and geographically making it more likely they will not experience a ‘just transition’ (Middlemiss et al., 2023). One aspect of daily life that could be negatively by net zero transition is “where we go” (Middlemiss et al., 2023). Low-income families are more reliant on their vehicles to be able to take part in social life, along with economic life. The reliance on their vehicles put them at risk of social exclusion due to the transition to electric vehicles. Electric vehicles are an expensive upfront cost which many low-income households would not be able to afford (Middlemiss et al., 2023). While the uk government back tracked on the banning of petrol and diesel vehicles, the risk of social exclusion still exists. For those without access to car ownership, the affordability and inaccessibility of public transportation is becoming more prominent. This is shown in the uk governments most recent budget, with the increase of the bus fare charge cap from £2 to £3 (Department for Transport, 2024). Understanding social inclusion aids in the understanding of a net zero transition as it highlights that while a transition to net zero is sustainability positive, it can have negative social impacts (Van Wart, Mclntyre, Hall, 2023). It highlights that a universal picture cannot be painted, and everyone needs to be taken into consideration when implementing the transition (Wart et al., 2023) It is crucial to ensure the transition considers social inclusion as it will allow the process to be just, equitable and accessible to all members, especially those that are vulnerable or disadvantaged.

Reference list

Department for Transport. 2024. National bus fare cap. [Accessed 4 November 2024]. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/national-bus-fare-cap

Middlemiss, L., Snell, C., Morrison, E., Chzhen, Y., Owen, A., Kennedy, K., Theminimulle, S. and Carregha, T. 2023. Conceptualising socially inclusive environmental policy: a just transition to Net Zero.

Middlemiss, L., Snell, C., Theminimulle, S., Carregha, T., Morrison, E., Chzhen, Y., Kennedy, K. and Owen, A. 2024. Place-based and people-centred: Principles for a socially inclusive Net Zero transition.

The Charity Commission, The promotion of Social Inclusion [Online]. Gov.UK. 2001. [Accessed 4 November 2024]. Available from: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7ec3d5ed915d74e33f2471/socinc.pdf

United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Identifying social inclusion and exclusion. Report on the World Social Situation. 2016. [Accessed 4 November 2024]. Available from: https://www.un.org/esa/socdev/rwss/2016/chapter1.pdf

Wart, M., McIntyre, M. and Hall, J.L. 2023. Social inclusion, social exclusion, and the role of leaders in avoiding—or promoting—societal collapse. Public administration review. 83(3), pp.691–701.