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Toward a Theory of Social Inclusion: The design and practice of social inclusion in mixed-income communities

Bulger, Morgan Alexandra

Abstract Details

2018, Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, Organizational Behavior.
Social Inclusion is an emerging term, used most prominently by the United Nations to encompass ideas of equity, social, economic and civic participation, and the proactive protection of human rights. Posited as an antidote to the global phenomena of social exclusion, social inclusion is also increasingly understood as a process and outcome, rather than just an outcome. In the United States, one potential vehicle for the process of social inclusion is the development of mixed-income communities. Using a process perspective, this study explores the design and practice of social inclusion in the context of mixed income communities, by conducting a qualitative analysis of the federal Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, which funds mixed-income community development across the United States. Utilizing a combined content analysis and grounded theory analysis of archival grant reports and conducted interviews, this study aims to answer the question: How do mixed-income communities design and practice social inclusion? Within that question, what are the conditions for the practice of social inclusion? How do organizational structures, programs, and processes, enable the individual and collective practice of social inclusion? How is social inclusion designed and practiced at the structural, social, and individual levels? The content analysis focused on 55 Choice Neighborhoods planning grant Transformation Plans and 18 implementation grant narratives. This study also conducted and analyzed through grounded theory an additional 60 semi-structured interviews. The study generated an integrated process theory of social inclusion, through this analysis that identified 545 first order codes, 123 second order codes, and 24 aggregate dimensions. This study also presents the underlying dynamics that enable and limit social inclusion. In addition to this contribution to theory, this study will also contribute toward those working in the mixed-income communities field and beyond, by providing actionable best-practice suggestions for promoting social inclusion through design and practice.
Diana Bilimoria, Ph.D. (Advisor)
Mark Joseph, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
David Cooperrider, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Ron Fry, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
169 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Bulger, M. A. (2018). Toward a Theory of Social Inclusion: The design and practice of social inclusion in mixed-income communities [Doctoral dissertation, Case Western Reserve University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1531151650737104

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Bulger, Morgan. Toward a Theory of Social Inclusion: The design and practice of social inclusion in mixed-income communities. 2018. Case Western Reserve University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1531151650737104.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Bulger, Morgan. "Toward a Theory of Social Inclusion: The design and practice of social inclusion in mixed-income communities." Doctoral dissertation, Case Western Reserve University, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1531151650737104

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)