Social participation

Although there is not agreement on the definition of social participation (Levasseur et al. 2004), several works have attempted to conceptualize it.

From the perspective of the elderly field, social participation might be understood as "an organized process in which individuals are characterized by specific, collective, conscious and voluntary actions, which ultimately leads to self-actualization and achievement of goals" (Dehi and Mohammadi, 2020). Social participation of elderly persons might include actions such as the involvement in activities that provide interaction with others in the community (Bukov et al. 2002), sharing resources with other members of your community (Richard et al. 2012) or sharing community-based individual resources (Hsu, 2007).

Social participation

"the daily activities and social roles that ensure the survival and development of a person in society throughout his or her life" (Levasseur et al. 2004)

From the perspective of the field of the intellectual disability and the model of quality of life, social participation is defined as "the daily activities and social roles that ensure the survival and development of a person in society throughout his or her life" (Levasseur et al. 2004). It is formed by 3 dimensions: interpersonal relations, social inclusion and rights (Buntix and Schalock, 2010) and the following activities and indicators:

1. Interpersonal relations: social networks, interaction with other persons, social and familiar relationship, having friends and get on well with people (neighbours, colleagues, etc.); positive and rewarding social contacts, couple´s relationships and sexuality.
2. Social inclusion: going to places where other people go and take part in the activities as just one more. Community integration, participation and roles. Accessibility to public goods and services (public transportation, retirement clubs, evening classes, community associations and services...). Social networks with people who are not staff, family members or other people with ID.
3. Rights: to be considered equal as the rest of the people, equal treatment, respect their way of being, wishes, privacy, rights (legal access, due process) .

Social inclusion

"The process of a loss of integration or participation of the people in a society and in different social, economic and political fields". (Spanish National Plan of Social Inclusion)