Social Inclusion
Integrating and addressing the needs of traditionally marginalized groups into program design builds resilience by creating more effective activities.
Shocks and stresses do not affect all people in the same way. Marginalized groups (women, people with disabilities, older individuals, etc.) are uniquely vulnerable during and after shocks. Limited mobility, uneven access to resources, and power imbalances can mean assistance to these groups is delayed or denied after a disaster or crisis. Current research aims to show how social inclusion can increase sources of resilience (such as social capital and financial inclusion).
Approach
Integrating traditionally marginalized groups into society, feedback, and program design can increase resilience program and activity effectiveness. In a mixed-caste community, greater social inclusion helps people of lower socioeconomic status access informal finance. This is accomplished through connections with wealthier neighbors.
Involving youth, women, and older people in household decision-making also helps to increase resilience. It creates equitable approaches to financial decisions that affect the household. This leads to more financial stability when shocks occur. Market linkages for women and youth also increase and diversify household incomes.
Evidence
Most research on social inclusion in resilience has focused on gender. Empowered women are less likely to apply negative coping strategies or be food insecure.
More About Social Inclusion
Resilience Evidence Forum 2023 Synthesis Report
19 Sep 2023 - USAID , Global Resilience Partnership
Explore key discussions held at the June 2023 Resilience Evidence Forum in this comprehensive guide to resilience-building methodologies and evidence.
The Role of Social Connections in Coping with the Current Drought in Somalia
02 Aug 2023 - USAID , ACDI/VOCA , Mercy Corps
Building and maintaining social connections with the community may be the key to resilience during drought.
Resilience in Somalia and Opportunities for Measurement Innovation for the Resilience Population-Level Measurement Activity
17 Jul 2023 - USAID , ACDI/VOCA , Mercy Corps
Which resilience capacities matter the most to Somalia? Learn more in these research briefs from the Resilience Population-Level Measurement Activity.
Coping with the Drought Crisis in Somalia: Formative Research Findings from the Resilience Population-Level Measurement (RPM) Activity
17 Jul 2023 - USAID , ACDI/VOCA , Mercy Corps
Explore key findings and recommendations from the Somalia Resilience Population-Level Measurement (RPM) Activity.