Introduction

Older people frequently report social exclusion from a range of activities, decreased levels of social engagement and high levels of loneliness. This is particularly the case among older residents of disadvantaged neighbourhoods where there are fewer resources and facilities than in better-off neighbourhoods. Despite these challenges older people also report a high degree of attachment to their neighbourhood and the presence of informal social support. The aim of this chapter is to explore the potential value of community arts activities as a means of building social solidarity in disadvantaged neighbourhoods and of challenging social exclusion. This does not imply a neglect of structural inequalities and the promotion of a reactionary community-blaming approach. Rather, as we shall see, to be successful local initiatives require an active commitment of resources to provide ongoing support to ensure their sustainability.

Social exclusion is broadly defined as the process whereby certain groups are excluded from full participation in society. There is increasing evidence that many older people, particularly those who are resident in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, experience many forms of physical, social and emotional exclusion. In a study of older residents of six inner-cities, Scharf and colleagues (2002) found that many participants reported feeling excluded from organisations and institutions in their own neighbourhoods and not having the opportunity to become involved in social and civic activities. In addition, a significant minority had limited social contact with others and reported feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

There is continuing debate in the social policy arena about the meaning of the concept social exclusion (Kneale, 2012). There is an apprehension that by focusing on the social and cultural aspects of everyday living researchers are ignoring the structural and political issues that exclude people from active participation in society. Any action to combat social exclusion needs to address both dimensions. As Kneale emphasises, ‘social exclusion among older people often occurs as a result of loss of independence – including pension wealth, public transport and housing, prompting the need for state intervention’ (2012, p 7).

Much research has demonstrated that social connectedness promotes health and wellbeing, and conversely, social isolation and loneliness contributes to a deterioration in health. For example, a longitudinal study of older people by Mendes de Leon and colleagues (1999) found that greater social involvement predicted subsequent ability to carry out everyday activities of daily living.