Social vulnerability very easily leads to isolation and disempowerment. Both individuals and certain groups of people within a society are affected. The threat of social exclusion is particularly high in times of economic restructuring, natural disasters but also - as recently - during pandemics. Vulnerability can be a consequence of social exclusion, but can also cause social exclusion itself. In rural areas, this vulnerability often manifests itself in specific ways. An interdisciplinary and systematic approach appears necessary to analyze these relationships, whereby the abilities and potential of people in vulnerable situations must also be considered.
Objective
This project aims to generate evidence-based practical and theoretical knowledge on how Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) can generate resilience, social inclusion and a good life in European rural areas. Based on the project results, recommendations, framework conditions and policy measures will be developed to achieve these goals through constructive discussions with stakeholders at different levels
Planned procedure
The drivers of social exclusion in relation to marginalization processes and social inequalities will first be identified in different types of regions. Five co-creation pilots will then be initiated. Stakeholders will carry out experiments with various vulnerable groups involving local organizations and the wider community, which should lead to the empowerment of vulnerable groups in a multi-actor design. The following co-creation pilots are planned:
- Austria: Refugee women from Afghanistan, Chechnya and Arab countries, in Carinthia transnationally with South Tyrol
- Finland: women at risk of exclusion
- Estonia: older people with unrecognized abilities
- Slovenia: social exclusion of disabled young people and older people
- Slovakia: multivulnerable Roma communities
In addition, a total of 26 case studies are being conducted in 13 countries, two of which are in Austria:
- NEETs (economically inactive young people), including those with a migration background: analyzed by the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences
- Verein Silbersberg, Quellenhof: Gloggnitz and Schwarzau im Gebirge, analyzed by the BAB
The BAB is leading the work package WP1: Conceptual Framework. The theoretical foundations of social exclusion, vulnerability, but also unrecognized skills, untapped capacities and the SSE concept (Social and Solidarity Economy) will be developed through literature research.
In WP2, the analytical dimensions and categories, cohesions, synergies and syntheses in the project are examined and recorded. WP3 comprises the case studies, WP4 the co-creation pilots. In WP5, the results are communicated and disseminated in a community of practice. WP6 develops policy recommendations, WP7 comprises project management.
Zeitplan
Projektbeginn: 01/2024
Projektende: 12/2027
Kooperationspartner
FH Kärnten (A); Diakonie Kärnten (A); ZSI Zentrum für Soziale Innovation (A); EURAC Bozen (I), Universität Wageningen (NL); Universität Vigo (E); National University of Ireland Galway (IRL); Universität Tallinn (EST); Võrumaa Partnership (EST); Universität Bratislava (SK); Region Ostrava (SK); Universität Eskişehir (TR); Pro Agria (FIN); Prizma Foundation (SLO); AEIDL European Association for Innovation in Local Development (B)
