Actors in processes of inclusion and exclusion: Towards a dynamic approach

The terminological substitution of the poor/rich distinction by the exclusi on/inclusion distinction marks an important innovation within social resear ch, because it provides a multidimensional approach for the analysis of dis advantaged groups within society. Th multidimensionality also implies that interactions between different dimensions of exclusion and inclusion become visible, hence offering a dynamic approach. Thus, research on exclusion/in clusion might be linked with longitudinal-data analyses. The dynamic aspect of the exclusion/inclusion research analytical upvalues the people involve d in Ih; processes of exclusion and inclusion. Social sciences no longer se e them as nothing but victims, rather as actors coping with given circumsta nces. Thus, actors' own strategies become of crucial importance. As a conse quence the notions of exclusion as "bad" and inclusion as "good" become unc lear. Thus one has to take into account that actors perceive both inclusion and exclusion as "good" or "bad".