The current era marks a mounting crisis in employment situation world-wide in particular for excluded populations (vulnerable, disadvantaged, marginalized). The last two decades reflected considerable changes in the nature, modes and intensity of social services provided to excluded social groups. One of the most significant transitions has been alteration in the division of responsibilities among various organizational sectors, with a decreasing charge of the government and mounting mandate of the private and third sectors, consequently leading to fragmented social services delivery (Plantinga, de Ridder & Corra, 2011; Radey & Wilkins, 2011).
Relevant theoretical literature and empirical evidence suggest that in order to rectify this flaw a systems approach needs to be implemented (Radey & Wilkins, 2011). Construction of partnerships among various organizations and sectors, such as government, private and third sector, seems to be an effective mechanism in addressing this issue (Desivilya & Palgi, 2011). Yet, extant research in this domain has been scarce, thus falling short of validating the assumption just presented.
The proposed research stream aims to pool together extant theoretical and empirical knowledge in this domain, critically evaluate the available data including its public policy implications and form a future research agenda. The queries to be raised include: What are the characteristics and scope of the problem, in particular of excluded populations? Who (government, private and third sector) attempts to address the problem? In what ways? Which conceptual approaches are mustered? What is the role of partnerships as mechanism for implementing the potential solutions? What is the contribution of such praxis? What are the pitfalls (blind spots) overlooked in the current approaches to employment reintegration of excluded populations?
We invite papers dealing with any area of coping with the crisis of employment in the current era focusing on Europe and the Mediteranean regions, underscroing the predicaments of excluded populations and potential avenues to address the problem. Discussions revolving around conceptual approaches, methodology and policy issues are welcome. This RS is open to works in progress, or finished projects and papers.
