Inclusive Living in Russia as an Aspect of the Multidimensionality of Social Inclusion

Abstract

Inclusive education of people with disabilities today is a fairly popular object of research among a wide range of specialists (sociologists, psychologists, social workers); however, disabilities are far from the only factor of social exclusion, and education is not the only process aimed at increasing the inclusiveness of society. The multidimensionality of social inclusion makes it possible, in the framework of this study, to single out the aspect of inclusive living. This aspect is revealed in the ideas of inclusive design of dwellings themselves and the urban space in general, is ensured by the construction of inclusive housing, and is supported by the inclusive housing policy of the state. Thus, the aim of this study is to identify and conceptualize inclusive living as an aspect of multidimensional social inclusion in the context of the transformation of social and legal institutions in Russia. During the study, the general scientific methods of analysis, synthesis, generalization, comparison, and analogy were used. The theoretical basis of the study was the works of Russian and mainly foreign researchers in the field of inclusive housing policy, inclusive housing, inclusive design, etc. The legal framework for the study was the Constitution of the Russian Federation, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, federal laws of the Russian Federation, resolutions of the Government of the Russian Federation, orders of ministries, national standards, etc. As a result of the study, the authors' definition of the concept of inclusive living is proposed: it is a living socially autonomous from the helping subject, in which each person, regardless of the physical, intellectual and other characteristics, is provided with a socioeconomic opportunity to choose the place of residence (a specific house or apartment) and roommates (regardless of gender and age) they like, and freely interact with neighbors (for example, at general meetings). In the course of the study, some assessment is also given to the transformation of social and legal institutions in Russia aimed at increasing the inclusiveness of the residence of certain social groups (disabled people, elderly people, etc.). In addition, the authors suggest that the inclusiveness of living can be considered as one of the indicators of the quality of life of the population of a particular state, which requires further research on the institutional factors that determine social inclusion or exclusion in this context.