Participation: A European Ideal and a Social Work Activity

Abstract

The EC is concerned not only with economic but also social issues, and in particular the desire to promote social harmony and cooperation. In order to make these concerns tangible and influential, the EC has created structures and initiatives which have begun to exemplify a commitment to a pluralist and participatory form of representation. This democratic vision of participation, integration and solidarity is held by both the EC and the Council of Europe. This ideal is obviously not limited to Western Europe, but is one of the most important political and philosophical forces of the later part of the twentieth century. It has fuelled the explosion of democratic and participatory rhetoric by the governments, as well as the people, of much of the world. The ‘new order’ has been demonstrated in the broader political movements of the right as well as the left, and a new language of participation, integration and involvement has been coined.