1. The document discusses approaches to measuring social inclusion across nations and cultures, which is challenging due to differing meanings of inclusion in different contexts. 2. Several existing approaches to measuring inclusion through indicators are reviewed, including those focusing on dimensions of economic, political, and social inclusion. 3. Key lessons highlighted include the need for measures that have both contextual relevance and some degree of universalism, while avoiding too many indicators that could obscure meaningful measures. The way forward emphasizes measures that are accessible, measurable, robust, reliable, comparable, culturally sensitive, adaptable, grounded in theory, and relevant.

1. Measuring Inclusion: Some Lessons for Cross-nation Research/Evaluation Margaret Lombe, Ph.D. GSSW, Boston College [email_address]

2. Introduction The use of concept of inclusion/exclusion in social science research is fairly recent Major challenge has been operationalization and measurement Measurement of inclusion/exclusion is essential At this point, little is known about the meaning of inclusion across nations and cultures

3. Introduction An important step in the measurement of inclusion may be to specify the meaning of inclusion in different contexts A next important step may be systematic data collection so that a knowledge base can begin to build on a global basis

4. Review of Existing Approaches to Measuring Inclusion Some promising approaches include: - Indicators from the Center for the Analysis of Social Exclusion - Quality of Life Indicators - The Boston Indicators - The Freedom House Index - Social Inclusion Indicators - Well-being measures

5. Review of Existing Approaches to Measuring Inclusion Objectives of these indicators vary: They may include: - Monitoring the performance of communities, nations, or regions in effort to promote inclusion - Assessing individual and household experiences of inclusion/exclusion - Assessing the extent of inclusion/exclusion locally, nationally, and across nations

6. Review of Existing Approaches to Measuring Inclusion Measuring inclusion/exclusion using indicators - Attempt to measure inclusion by means of the five dimensions - Indicators cover three broad categories: economic, political, and social - Items on each dimensions are scored to create an index - Each index is then subjected to a factor analysis or Cronbach’s alpha

7. Review of Existing Approaches to Measuring Inclusion Challenges inherent in use of indicators The measures are numerically constrained They do not adequately capture the process(es) of social exclusion/inclusion - The measures seem to lack cultural sensitivity Measures may not be suitable for adoption Strengths of Indicators They have potential for broad applicability They reflect the main areas of participation They contain small number of items

8. Measuring Inclusion: Some Lessons Lessons learned from use of indicators: The need for measures that have contextual relevance and a certain degree of universalism Large numbers of indicators may obscure development of meaningful measures Measures of inclusion tend to converge around key areas

9. Measuring Inclusion: The Way Forward Way forward for social inquiry: 1) Accessible 2) Measurable 3) Robust 4) Reliable 5) Comparable across nations 6) Sensitive to cultural diversity 7) Amenable to adaptation 8) Grounded in theory 9) Relevant 10) Timely