Themes
— Social
Services & Community
Many
people feel that our society is on the verge of significant change.
The foundations of the welfare state have been eroding. Those who
depend on that system fear it will disappear. Others, who feel the
system works only to marginalize them, see an opportunity to build
something better.
If the welfare
state is crumbling, what will take its place? How will changes
affect society? How will we prepare for the transformation that
seems already to have begun?
Philia is
looking for answers to these questions. We believe one answer lies
in challenging communities to welcome and encourage the
contributions of people who have traditionally been marginalized.
Historically,
many people have faced formidable barriers to participation, leaving
many at the mercy of the welfare system and government care
agencies. But when everyone is welcomed into communities and given
all the rights and responsibilities of full citizens, communities
will be strengthened, neighbourhoods enlivened and social
institutions revitalized.
People who
have been marginalized have valuable perspectives on community and
citizenship to lend to a discussion on social policy.
Challenges
People who
live on the margins of the economy participate largely through the
mechanism of the welfare state. That system has a solid foundation
in human rights and compassion, but is not without problems.
Presently, we see two weaknesses:
First, funding
for welfare and social services is threatened. Governments complain
that globalization has made it tougher to pull money out of the
economy for redistribution. Changing demographics are putting added
pressure on resources, especially as Baby Boomers near retirement.
Debt servicing constrains spending, while governments are
increasingly forced to spend more on new costs such as environmental
protection. Resources for social services are perceived to be
scarce.
At the same
time, advocates are realizing that the welfare state actually
prevents some people from enjoying the rights and responsibilities
of full citizenship. Despite its good intentions, the social service
system inadvertently works to marginalize some people even further.
That’s because the system focuses on overcoming personal
deficiencies while generally ignoring the contributions that people
with disabilities can make. These people can contribute and they
want their contributions to be recognized—although sometimes
contributions might take place outside of the formal economy.
Our social
service system has become a "needs-based" system: fixating
on the needs and problems of people with disabilities rather than
their capabilities and contributions. This has led to an
over-reliance on managerial intervention and paid relationships. The
system has created a class of social service clients rather than
citizens.
When
marginalized people are unable to make contributions to society,
everyone loses. The community loses economic and social benefits,
while excluded people drift into poverty, isolation, loneliness and
increased dependence on the social service system.
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