Fostering Social Participation and Inclusion in Rural Communities: The Case of the TAIKAN Group in Chile

Cristian Armijo Castillo and Rodolfo Morrison ()
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Cristian Armijo Castillo: Independent Researcher, Valdivia 5090000, Chile
Rodolfo Morrison: Departamento de Rehabilitación, Facultad de Medicina, Salud y Deporte, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Villaviciosa de Odón, Spain

Challenges, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: This study examines the collective experience of the TAIKAN group, a social organization located in the municipality of Canela, Coquimbo Region, Chile. Through a systematization of experience methodology, this research analyzes how the group’s inclusive grassroots practices contribute to social participation, community resilience, and sustainable development in rural contexts. The study employs qualitative methods, including document review, semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and discussion groups, to capture the lived experiences of its members and assess the impact of their initiatives. The findings highlight that TAIKAN fosters a cultural shift towards inclusion by positioning people with disabilities as active agents in their community, promoting autonomy through productive workshops, and engaging in collaborative efforts to reduce structural inequalities. Furthermore, the study situates the TAIKAN experience within the framework of planetary health, demonstrating how local initiatives can align with global efforts to advance social and environmental justice. These insights provide a replicable framework for strengthening marginalized communities in similar rural settings.

Keywords: disability; social participation; social organizations; community; social exclusion (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A00 C00 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jchals:v:16:y:2025:i:1:p:17-:d:1610367

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