Inclusion & Diversity
The Inclusion & Diversity theme concerns participation in work and society at large, while recognising all people have the right to be their unique self. Inclusion implies taking care of each other and to some extent sharing an identity and heritage. Panteia’s team that focuses on Inclusion & Diversity is characterised by a critical view and high social commitment. It has a clear idea of what is going on in society. This enables the experts to ask the right questions which lead to reliable and usable results which our clients can use to move forward.
Our themes:
The inclusive society
Numerous studies show the added value of inclusiveness and diversity. They point to the added value for individuals, government, businesses and society as a whole if society collectively strives for greater inclusiveness. Panteia researches government services aimed at involving citizens in policy and providing equal opportunities for all. Panteia also conducts research on inclusiveness and diversity within employer policies, in particular on the role of women, migrants, LGBTI, disabled and older workers in organisations. Panteia has performed various studies in a European, national, regional and local context.
Culture
Culture, including art and heritage, is the glue that holds our society together. Culture celebrates shared identity and diversity. It connects, enriches and stimulates. It has economic value because it transcends borders, creates jobs, attracts (inter)national tourism and because creativity is an important driver of the market economy. Practising and participating in culture stimulates social cohesion; people meet one another, come to understand other norms, values and cultures, and can be proud of their neighbourhood or city because of its monumental allure. Panteia conducts research in various cultural disciplines such as heritage, music, visual arts, performing arts, literature, film, media, archives and libraries. In the field of culture, Panteia works for both national and international clients and both as a stand-alone organisation and in partnership with (international) research and consulting firms and/or parties from the sector. Examples of clients we are working for the European Commission and national Ministries and representative organisations in the sector.
Labour market participation
Participation in the labour process is an important goal and mean of participation in society. With re-integration policies, local, regional, national and European government bodies aim to promote labour participation, with sustainable employment of jobseekers in regular jobs as a priority. A regular job, however, is not feasible for everyone and therefore there are various alternatives in the area of labour participation, such as a sheltered job or a job with employment subsidy, so that more people can participate in the labour process. Panteia has extensive knowledge and expertise in the area of reintegration and labour participation and conducts research in this area from various angles, including that of professionals, citizens, and interest groups. In addition to re-integration, preventing employees to lose touch with the labour market links this theme strongly to the labour market theme and its experts within Panteia.
Social security
Social security systems aim to provide financial security for people who are (temporarily) unable to provide for their own income. In that sense, social security is strongly linked to the re-integration and prevention mentioned above. Social security institutionalises taking care of each other and is provides the means to participate in society. Logically, it is a relevant research theme within Inclusion & Diversity. Panteia is very well versed in the Dutch social security system and has ample experience in international comparison of elements of the – by nature – mainly at the national levels organised social security systems. Panteia also conducts research on social insurance and social security provisions for both national governments, the European Commission, the European Parliament and its Agencies (such as Eurofound, EU-OSHA) and International organisations (such as the OECD and the ILO).
Poverty and debt
As is the case with health related problems, financial difficulties can be an important cause of exclusion, just as they can be the result of too limited participation. It is important that residents and households facing financial difficulties receive the support they need to participate in and contribute to society as fully-fledged citizens. Panteia has developed broad expertise in policy research in the area of poverty and debt and has extensive experience with research into the extent, causes and backgrounds of poverty and debt situations, the evaluation of (municipal) measures for debt assistance and poverty policy at local, regional, national, and European levels. A key element of our work concerns debt prevention policies and services related to reduced participation on the labour market and other life events.
Citizen and government
The relationship between citizens and the government is a subject that receives a lot of attention, specifically in relation to participation and economic security. Is it based on mutual trust and an inclusive society? How far can institutions take enforcement and punishments? Are they allowed to differentiate in their treatment of (groups of) citizens? The citizen’s perspective is increasingly taking centre stage in our studies. For example, our experts conduct research into the human dimension and hard-hearted effects on citizens in legislation and regulations, policy and implementation.
