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Jargon buster

This section of the website gives definitions (and explanations of abbreviations).

Definitions

Social exclusion is "a short–hand term for what can happen when people or areas have a combination of linked problems, such as unemployment, discrimination, poor skills, low incomes, poor housing, high crime and family breakdown. These problems are linked and mutually reinforcing. Social exclusion is an extreme consequence of what happens when people don't get a fair deal throughout their lives, often because of disadvantage they face at birth, and this disadvantaged can be transmitted from one generation to the next." (Social Exclusion Task Force).

Social capital is about the "pattern and intensity of networks among people and the shared values which arise from those networks." (Office of National Statistics)

There are three types: bridging, bonding and linking.

  • Bridging – the links between different groups of people (eg workmates)
  • Bonding – the links between similar types of people (eg within a bowling club or family)
  • Linking – the links between completely dissimilar sets of people.

Community Cohesion "is what must happen in all communities to enable different groups of people to get on well together. A key contributor to community cohesion is integration which is what must happen to enable new residents and existing residents to adjust to one another.

It also set out a vision of an integrated and cohesive community, based on three foundations:

  • People from different backgrounds having similar life opportunities
  • People knowing their rights and responsibilities
  • People trusting one another and trusting local institutions to act fairly.

And three key ways of living together:

  • A shared future vision and sense of belonging
  • A focus on what new and existing communities have in common, alongside a recognition of the value of diversity
  • Strong and positive relationships between people from different backgrounds." [Taken from Cohesion delivery framework 2010 - overview].

Community empowerment is the process of enabling people to shape and choose the services they use on a personal basis, so that they can influence the way those services are delivered. It is often used in the same context as community engagement, which refers to the practical techniques of involving local people in local decisions and especially reaching out to those who feel distanced from public decisions. Further information is available on the Communities and Local Government website.

Community anchors are "independent community-led organisations. They are multi-purpose and provide holistic solutions to local problems and challenges, bringing out the best in people and agencies. They are there for the long term, not just the quick fix. Community anchors are often the driving force in community renewal." Further information in the Community Alliance leaflet.