Breaking the Exclusion Cycle


Book Description

Social exclusion of minority groups is an intractable problem in many diverse nations. For some minority groups this means going to segregated schools, for others not having access to gainful employment or quality healthcare. But why does social exclusion persist, and what can one do to stop it? This book proposes a theory of how individual behavior contributes to social exclusion, a novel method for measuring that behavior, and solutions to ending it. Based on original fieldwork among Central and Eastern European Roma, the largest ethnic minority in Europe (yet still very understudied), and non-Roma, Ana Bracic develops a theory she calls the exclusion cycle, through which anti-minority culture gives rise to discrimination by members of the majority, and minority members develop survival strategies. Members of the majority resent these strategies, assuming that they are endemic to the minority group rather than an outcome of their own discriminatory behavior. To illustrate her theory, Bracic includes an analysis of a video game she created that simulates interactions between Roma and non-Roma participants, which members of these groups played through avatars (thereby avoiding contentious face-to-face interactions). The results demonstrate that majority members discriminate against minority members even when minority group members behave in ways identical to the majority. It also shows the way in which minority members develop survival mechanisms. Bracic draws on the results of the simulation to offer evidence that this cycle can be broken through NGO-promoted discussion and interaction between groups. She also draws on extant scholarship on interactions between Muslim women in France, African Americans, the Batwa in Uganda, and their respective majority communities.




Breaking the Exclusion Cycle


Book Description

Social exclusion of minority groups is an intractable problem in many diverse nations. For some minority groups this means going to segregated schools, for others not having access to gainful employment or quality healthcare. But why does social exclusion persist, and what can one do to stop it? This book proposes a theory of how individual behavior contributes to social exclusion, a novel method for measuring that behavior, and solutions to ending it. Based on original fieldwork among Central and Eastern European Roma, the largest ethnic minority in Europe (yet still very understudied), and non-Roma, Ana Bracic develops a theory she calls the exclusion cycle, through which anti-minority culture gives rise to discrimination by members of the majority, and minority members develop survival strategies. Members of the majority resent these strategies, assuming that they are endemic to the minority group rather than an outcome of their own discriminatory behavior. To illustrate her theory, Bracic includes an analysis of a video game she created that simulates interactions between Roma and non-Roma participants, which members of these groups played through avatars (thereby avoiding contentious face-to-face interactions). The results demonstrate that majority members discriminate against minority members even when minority group members behave in ways identical to the majority. It also shows the way in which minority members develop survival mechanisms. Bracic draws on the results of the simulation to offer evidence that this cycle can be broken through NGO-promoted discussion and interaction between groups. She also draws on extant scholarship on interactions between Muslim women in France, African Americans, the Batwa in Uganda, and their respective majority communities.




EBOOK: Breaking the Cycle of Educational Alienation: A Multiprofessional Approach


Book Description

Truancy, delinquency and school-exclusion pose major challenges to the drive to promote social inclusion and raise standards for all. Many children who are truants or become excluded from school have inherited a sense of ‘educational alienation’ from their parents, whose own negative perceptions of the education system make it difficult for them to collaborate with the school. In this groundbreaking book, the authors show how the cycle of educational alienation can be broken, to enable parents and schools to work together to contribute to children’s educational, social and emotional well-being. They illustrate this by exploring a highly successful initiative in a school with severe socio-economic disadvantages, which, in conjunction with a school-based social work service, developed an effective family-teacher-community alliance. They demonstrate the substantial improvements that such a multiprofessional approach can bring about in reducing truancy, delinquency and exclusion and helping children to become positive, fulfilled and included members of their schools and communities. Breaking the Cycle of Educational Alienation is key reading for teachers and trainee teachers, child psychologists, educational psychologists and social workers, whose task it is to ensure that ‘Every Child Matters’.




Roma in an Expanding Europe


Book Description

Following the enlargement of the European Union in May 2004, Roma (or gypsies) are now the largest minority group in Europe. They are also one of the poorest and most vulnerable groups, living mainly in Central and Eastern Europe, suffering poverty levels as high as ten times that found within majority populations. The lack of information about the living conditions and needs of Roma people compound these stark gaps in human development outcomes. This publication, prepared for a conference held in Budapest, Hungary in June 2003, brings together original sociological research, evaluations of programme initiatives, and the first comparative cross-country household survey on ethnicity and poverty. It finds that Roma poverty is multi-faceted and can only be addressed by a inclusive policy approach which respects their diversity.




Communities in Action


Book Description

In the United States, some populations suffer from far greater disparities in health than others. Those disparities are caused not only by fundamental differences in health status across segments of the population, but also because of inequities in factors that impact health status, so-called determinants of health. Only part of an individual's health status depends on his or her behavior and choice; community-wide problems like poverty, unemployment, poor education, inadequate housing, poor public transportation, interpersonal violence, and decaying neighborhoods also contribute to health inequities, as well as the historic and ongoing interplay of structures, policies, and norms that shape lives. When these factors are not optimal in a community, it does not mean they are intractable: such inequities can be mitigated by social policies that can shape health in powerful ways. Communities in Action: Pathways to Health Equity seeks to delineate the causes of and the solutions to health inequities in the United States. This report focuses on what communities can do to promote health equity, what actions are needed by the many and varied stakeholders that are part of communities or support them, as well as the root causes and structural barriers that need to be overcome.




Breaking Intergenerational Cycles of Repetition


Book Description

The authors in this volume explore the interconnected issues of intergenerational trauma and traumatic memory in societies with a history of collective violence across the globe. Each chapter’s discussion offers a critical reflection on historical trauma and its repercussions, and how memory can be used as a basis for dialogue and transformation. The perspectives include, among others: the healing journey of three generations of a family of Holocaust survivors and their dialogue with third generation German students over time; traumatic memories of the British concentration camps in South Africa; reparations and reconciliation in the context of the historical trauma of Aboriginal Australians; and the use of the arts as a strategy of dialogue and transformation.




Beyond Token Change


Book Description

Using a case study as its starting point, this guide examines the patterns of oppression built into organizations and institutions. Such systems of discrimination and oppression originate not with individuals within the institution, but rather the dynamics within the institutions themselves. Attention is given to the tactics employed to achieve equality and overcome oppressive attitudes in the workplace. According to this analysis, the true test of an institution's intentions is whether its policies achieve only token change or transform its deeper structure.




From Exclusion to Excellence


Book Description

The authors draw on their 30 years of action-research activities helping educators provide a meaningful education to at-risk/excluded students. They explain how teacher well-being is a precondition for building the sorts of relationships that enable excluded students to learn. They present in detail four concrete skills (non-abandonment, reframing, connecting conversation, and emphatic limit-setting) for reaching children and at the same time strengthening educators’ emotional resilience and professional pride. They address how schools can rethink and reshape the way they relate to parents of excluded children, so as to allow both sides to trust and empower each other. If you are a teacher, this book will help you make sense of the difficulties you face daily and provide you with reliable methods for working more effectively. If you are a principal or policymaker, it will show how the road to excellence begins with inclusion, and with providing teachers the kind of support that enables them to succeed. I am not an education expert, but you don’t have to be to want to implement the conclusions that Michal Razer and Victor J. Friedman make about schools to societies as a whole. To produce a successful school serving the needs of all of its students, you need to focus—before passing out any curriculum or teaching any classes—on building that elusive thing called “trust”, or what the authors call “inclusion”. When there is trust in the classroom, when every student believes that they and their aspirations matter to a teacher, everything is possible and everything is easier—the most difficult students become more educable and inspired and take more ownership over their success—and the best students soar even higher. This book should be read by teachers, parents and politicians alike, because its incisive recommendations for building more successful schools apply just as much to families and parliaments. – Thomas L. Friedman, New York Times columnist" /div




Break The Cycle Of Poverty


Book Description

Strive and thrive through this transformative journey that dissects the very nature of poverty in its economic, social, and psychological dimensions. Each chapter in this book unfolds critical insights, from a deep-rooted analysis of systemic issues perpetuating poverty to success stories that highlight the tangible impacts of empowerment initiatives. The book is not just an exploration; it is a call to action, urging readers to engage actively in initiatives, advocacy, and collaboration to combat poverty. In a world still fighting with the hard-core challenges of poverty and hunger, "Break The Cycle Of Poverty" emerges as a beacon of hope and empowerment. Authored by Dr. Gurudas Bandyopadhyay, this book is a profound exploration into the multidimensional aspects of poverty, backed by actionable strategies for individuals, communities, and policymakers alike. Explore the intersections of economic, social, and political factors contributing to the persistence of poverty, and understand the profound impacts poverty has on health, education, and social inclusion. Dr. Bandyopadhyay navigates through these complex issues, offering readers a comprehensive understanding that forms the foundation for actionable change. Discover the power of collaborative action, advocacy, and engagement in addressing poverty at its core. From showcasing successful empowerment models to emphasizing the importance of environmental considerations and economic innovations, this book is a guide for those committed to breaking the chains of poverty. By going deep into narratives of triumph and resilience, readers will be inspired to search more and contribute to the collective effort of poverty elimination. Readers can improve awareness of vital aspects for meaningful contributions to self-development and social welfare: Comprehensive Understanding of Poverty Actionable Empowerment Strategies Insight into Policy and Systemic Changes Learning from Success Stories Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions Practical Collaboration and Advocacy Insights into Education, Health, and Social Services Challenges, Opportunities, and Solutions "Break The Cycle Of Poverty" is not just a simple book; it is a roadmap for a world where no one should die in hunger. Through education, healthcare access, and social services, the book outlines a vision for a sustainable and inclusive future. As readers absorb the insights, engage in self-reflection, and take actionable steps, they become integral contributors to the global mission of poverty eradication. This book is a valuable resource for individuals, NGOs, government officials, researchers, and anyone passionate about creating positive change in the world.




Prevention and Youth Crime


Book Description

The 2008 UK government Youth Crime Action Plan emphasises early intervention in work with young people who offend or considered to be 'at risk' of offending. This approach includes targeted work with families and a reduction in the numbers of young people entering the justice system. This report takes a critical look at early intervention policies.