Social Inclusion as the Interactive Governance: The Case of Neighbourhood Renewal Policy in Britain

Abstract

In recent years, developed countries have been focusing on “welfare governance”, which is based on cooperation between the public and private sectors. It is thought to promote “social inclusion”.

Social inclusion means improving multiple social problems arising due to “social exclusion”.

However, it is not easy to build on the system of welfare governance because of the inherent differences among the participating actors’ authority, resources, and interests.

Nevertheless, in Britain, the Blair government worked to build smooth cooperative relations with the local actors and develop social inclusion in deprived areas. This article analyzes why Blair government was able to build a stable welfare governance system with respect to social inclusion.

This analysis, relying on “interactive governance theory”, reveals three welfare governance processes. First, social inclusion as a political goal is set up by the government and shared by local actors. Second, institutions that reflect the intentions of local actors and establish the accountability of the government are formed. Third, inclusion projects are implemented by local actors.

Through the elucidation of these processes, this article explores how the Blair government built a stable system by steering each of these processes.