Indicators of social quality and social exclusion at national and community level

This paper explores the domains and indicators of social inclusion and exclusion and their interaction at national and community level, within the context of the social quality construct and the notions of Demos and Ethnos. Social inclusion/exclusion is conceptualised dynamically within the overarching construct of social quality. Micro and macro aspects of social quality are discussed along with the relationship between organisations and institutions and communities, groups and individuals. The relationship between these levels is explored in relation to Delanty's distinction between Demos and Ethos. Drawing on the work of McMillan and Chevis, two domains of community are identified - identification and participation. Relevant attributes and indicators are suggested for each domain. Interactions between social inclusion and exclusion at national and community level are then exemplified, ranging from inclusion to exclusion both communally and nationally via intermediate stages of inclusion in one realm and exclusion in the other. Social policy implications of the relationship between national and community exclusion are drawn, both for macro/institution and organisational levels (in relation to legislation and society-wide service provisions) and micro and group and citizen level (in relation to social work).