Will Learning Social Inclusion Assist Rural Networks?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47381/aijre.v23i2.657Keywords:
social inclusion, rural networks, social exclusion, policy, rural social characteristicsAbstract
Current research on social networks in some rural communities reports continuing demise despite efforts to build resilient communities. Several factors are identified as contributing to social decline including globalisation and rural social characteristics. Particular rural social characteristics, such as strong social bonds among members of rural communities may not extend to those deemed as “outsiders”: thus restricting the information and skills afforded by extended social networks. It is predicted that rural communities may fail unless they are able to renew existing social structures to more socially inclusion arrangements. It is proposed that better social inclusion of individuals will supply novel solutions to innovate rural communities.
Globalisation intensifies the demands on social networks, leading to the rearrangement of social institutions in rural communities. Rapid rearrangement of rural institutions impacts the wellbeing of rural people and threatens rural futures. The viability goals of rural communities are proposed to be linked to social concepts, such as liveability and sustainability. It is anticipated that viability challenges may be partly met through social strategies, such as social inclusion, which expand the social networks of rural communities.
Australian government initiatives such as the National Social Inclusion Principles are intended to curb growing inequity between people and regions. Contemporary social inclusion initiatives focussed on social participation are discussed. Somewhat in contrast to a social participation focus, education is forwarded as reliably associated with a range of positive social outcomes. Literacy education is argued to be the basis of positive outcomes in both self-realisation and social achievement. Suggestions are made for the role of further research involving contributions from adult rural literacy students. It is anticipated that this outlook will allow an examination of social strategies, which benefit individuals and community networks.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2013 Jill Marchant
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors contributing to The Australian and Internation Journal of Rural Education agree to publish their articles under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 license, allowing third parties to copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format, and to remix, transform, and build upon the material, for any purpose, even commercially, under the condition that appropriate credit is given, that a link to the license is provided, and that you indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
Authors retain copyright of their work, with first publication rights granted to The Australian and Internation Journal of Rural Education.
Manuscripts submitted for publication should not have been published or submitted for publication elsewhere. It is the responsibility of authors to secure release of any copyright materials included in their manuscripts, and to provide written evidence of this to the editors.
Papers are accepted on the understanding that they are subject to editorial revision. The Editorial Committee cannot guarantee that all contributions will be published nor give definite dates of publication. However, contributors will be advised if their papers are not accepted or if there will be a long publication delay.
