Inclusive Society and Social Work: The Spanish Case

The first section of this chapter explores the concept of inclusive society in Catalonia and Spain, which is closely linked to the ideas of exclusion and integration. Exclusion is generated by several mechanisms associated with the precariousness of welfare systems, while social inclusion is inseparable from the concepts of integration, cohesion and social justice. In an inclusive society, the public sector and non-profit organisations (NGOs) are key actors. NGOs are considered the third sector and play a significant role, often due to failures within the public sector. The second section looks at four research projects focused on specific minority groups: homeless people, migrants, gay men aged over 50 and Roma migrant women. Despite the differences between these groups, common elements were identified in relation to the following aspects: trajectories in the social realm, social connections, the imaginary and participation. The mechanisms that support these target groups in relation to integration, vulnerability and disaffiliation can be approached on the basis of these four categories. There are also similarities between these groups in relation to significant social connections, representations within wider society that lead to prejudice, stigmatisation and discrimination, and the effect of participation on integration or, in some cases, mobilisation. In Spain, all four target groups are supported by third sector or non-profit organisations in terms of activism to bring about change, social protection and urgent action. These NGOs offer close proximity to users, assistance accessing social services support, and they provide a facilitator space.