ASPECTS OF INTEGRATION OF SOCIALLY EXCLUDED GROUPS IN LATVIA

Abstract

The goal of the European Union is to reduce the risk of poverty and social exclusion. The risk of social exclusion involves various risk factors that adversely affect family life as well as everyday needs. Indirect discrimination also leads to social exclusion. In essence, social exclusion represents multidimensional marginalization that does not contribute to social integration policies aimed at creating an integrated and socially active society. French sociologist Emile Durkheim has already stressed that the inclusion and union of individuals are essential to maintaining social cohesion and preventing social exclusion. He also stressed the importance of social solidarity, which is linked to shared values, beliefs and norms in society and which can help to prevent social exclusion and promote social integration, and described the evolution of society from mechanical solidarity to organic solidarity. Social exclusion is a complex social and political problem, which is governed legally at the national and local levels, as there are socially excluded groups also in rural areas. The legislative framework was summarised using document analysis. A qualitative research approach was used to explore the manifestations of social exclusion and identify recommendations to address them. The research involved 11 semi-structured interviews with representatives of organisations working on the problems and integration of socially excluded groups. The research aims to identify the problems of and solutions to social exclusion in rural areas. The research has concluded that there are enough projects and programmes promoting wellbeing and social protection, yet the projects do not achieve the desired results in most cases. Based on the idea of social solidarity, today's society is more likely to cooperate, which indicates a more cohesive society and a willingness to seek help from responsible organisations.