Social inclusion, social networks and ethnicity: the development of the Social Inclusion Interview Schedule for young people with learning disabilities

Abstract

The paper reports on the development and piloting of the Social Inclusion Interview Schedule (SIIS). This uses pictures to explore social networks and feelings of social inclusion. The background, conceptual framework and development of the interview schedule are discussed and interim findings are highlighted. The challenge of not just identifying the constituents of a social network but also attributing some measure of intensity to the relationships and activities identified will be considered. The study site is Bradford in the UK and the study population are young people with learning disabilities and their carers. There is a specific focus on people from the South Asian community resident in the city.

The Meaning of Social Inclusion for People with Disabilities in South Korea

“…They discovered the meaning of their existence by interacting in mutual relationships with others (Hunter & Jordan, 2010). This is consistent with the findings of Pawson et al (2005), in that people feel socially included when social relationships are characterised by intimacy and mutual sympathy, not just when systemic discrimination has been abolished. Rimmerman (2013) also reports that positive interaction within the community is an important factor that leads to feelings of belonging or social inclusion.…”

“…Hall suggested a social inclusion agenda that emphasises social accommodation, relationships, participation in activities, dwellings, employment, support from service providers, social support, individual ability, others' attitudes, action, and awareness. Pawson, Raghavan, Small, Craig, and Spencer (2005) suggested an agenda of social inclusion that emphasises action, decision-making, networking, feelings of solidarity, and hope about the future for people with intellectual disabilities. They found that people with intellectual disabilities find positive meaning by participating in diverse activities involving their social network, school, workplace, area day care centers, and universities.…”

What Factors Predict Who Will Have a Strong Social Network Following a Stroke?

“…Thus findings from more disaffected or excluded minorities, for example, BodenAlbala et al (2005), may not translate to the present study. Pawson, Rahgavan, and Small (2005) make the further point that the social network of a person of ethnic minority will reflect how well-established and numerous that minority is in the person's neighbourhood.…”

Family carers' perspectives on post‐school transition of young people with intellectual disabilities with special reference to ethnicity

“…Items focused on the carer's perception of the young person's social world and future options. The interview was piloted with a small group of family carers (see Pawson et al . 2005).…”