USER INVOLVEMENT IN POVERTY POLICY STRUCTURES. AN APPROACH TO GIVE A VOICE TO PEOPLE LIVING IN POVERTY, TO ACHIEVE EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS AND TO STRENGTHEN SOCIAL COHESION

Solidarity and social inclusion, which are often used as synonyms in professional discourse on social work, are understood to date with too little focus on the structural level in politics, economics and social services. Furthermore, in the implementation of projects to promote social cohesion, marginalized groups such as people affected by poverty have so far been insufficiently involved in identifying commonalities between groups of people and in joint activities. Therefore, following the user involvement approach and on a structural level, I argue that political, economic and social conditions as well commitment must be in place. In the case of people affected by poverty, who are a very heterogeneous group, at least in Switzerland, mechanisms are needed to enable these groups to identify and voice their concerns and bring them to the attention of the appropriate political, economic or social decision-makers in a targeted manner. Using two research-based projects from poverty policy in Switzerland, I follow to answer the research question: How can people affected by poverty be given a voice in the structures and decision-making processes of poverty policy? The theoretical framework is based on the user involvement approach. Using participative, qualitative and quantitative research methods I answer the question with the potential impact, challenges and conditions of an implementable platform and training courses for professionals from politics, economics and social services, as well as for people affected by poverty. This differentiated knowledge of people affected by poverty and the fulfillment of the requirements of all those involved, a structure of exchange supported by social policy and led by external professionals, willingness to learn and work together, clear communication, or reimbursement of travel expenses, are necessary to strive for a truly sustainable and inclusive society, rather than one that merely appears to be so. However, it should be noted that potential impact has been identified and that further long-term impact and international comparative analyses are necessary to gain comprehensive knowledge.