Is social, cultural and recreational participation a luxury for people living in poverty? An analysis of policy intentions and measures

This article examines the importance of participating in social, cultural and recreational activities for people living in poverty. It draws on some theoretical perspectives on this type of participation and examines how stimulating participation is being integrated and how ways of thinking and talking about socio-cultural participation have evolved in the social policies in Europe. Using the case of Belgium, we trace how policymakers can encourage participation among poorer people by means of structural, effective and comprehensive policy measures. Based on in-depth interviews and a quantitative evaluation of two Belgian policy measures, we conclude that promoting socio-cultural participation as a vehicle with which to build a more inclusive society can be intended in different manners. There are two dominant theoretical perspectives: (1) participation as a right free of engagement and (2) participation as an instrument or contributory agent for change and improving the quality of life of a person and his/her community.