Social and Occupational Activation of People at Risk of Social Exclusion in Poland Against the Background of the EU Cohesion Policy

Abstract

Abstract The subject of the article is social and occupational activation of persons at risk of social exclusion. The phenomenon of social exclusion is an important socio-economic problem today and an important area for the implementation of the priorities of EU cohesion policy. This policy sets out the indicators to be achieved by 2020. Among the specific measures to achieve the set goals particularly significant is the implementation of the concept of supported employment targeted at people at risk of social exclusion. It has been outlined that the core document defining current EU policies and guidelines is the aforementioned “Strategy for Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth, EUROPE 2020” setting out the following key priorities for the focus of for EU Member States: 1) intelligent development - development of knowledge- and innovation based economy, 2) sustainable development - supporting a more resource efficient, more environmentally-friendly, and more competitive economy, 3) inclusive growth - supporting economy with high employment rate which ensures social and territorial cohesion. It has been stated that. “National Strategy for Social Integration for Poland” the areas of exclusion include: 1) living in unfavorable economic conditions, 2) unfavorable effect of social processes resulting from massive, dynamic developmental changes, 3) insufficient life capital, 4) lack of access to appropriate institutions, 5) experiencing discrimination, 6) personal traits that hinder the use of common social resources. It seems that the basis task of a researcher in this context is not so much solving but rather identification of a problem stemming from objective conditions generating phenomena of marginalization and social exclusion. This analytical effort, taken in the frames of different research orientations is aimed at changing mechanisms ruling this process. It is not so much about providing universal solutions as these may be different for each society and must be looked for taking consideration of local economic and specific cultural conditions.