SOCIAL POLICY LEADERSHIP AND THE INTEGRATION OF MARGINALIZED POPULATIONS: GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES ON INCLUSION, POWER, AND POLICY CHANGE
Abstract
Purpose: The study examined the impact of social policy leadership across global, national, and local levels on the integration of marginalized populations.
Methodology: The study employed a qualitative exploratory research design, drawing on recent peer-reviewed literature, policy documents, and case studies. Data were collected through document analysis and analyzed thematically using Social Exclusion Theory.
Results: Findings revealed that fragmented and inconsistent leadership contributed to inequitable service delivery and tokenistic inclusion. Symbolic representation without structural change was common, and political inertia often impeded sustainable reform. Nevertheless, community-based leadership models and participatory governance approaches showed promise in enabling context-responsive integration.
Conclusion: The study concludes that visionary, inclusive, and participatory social policy leadership is essential for integrating marginalized populations. Leadership must go beyond rhetoric to dismantle structural barriers and foster equitable participation at all levels of governance.
Recommendations: The study recommends unified, experience-centered integration frameworks, participatory governance, decentralized decision-making, leadership capacity building, and disaggregated data systems to inform inclusive policymaking.
Keywords: Social policy leadership, marginalized populations, social exclusion, participatory governance, inclusive policy, integration, global and local leadership
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