The role economy in solving social and economic problems of the disabled and reintegrating them on the territory of Podlaskie voivodship

This dissertation discusses one of main problems of humanity, which is disability. Although disability occurs quite often, understanding it is not easy. Even more complicated than creating the definition of disability seems to be finding a way to solve this problem or at least mitigate its results. One of the solutions is social economy, that has been increasing in popularity. As a collection of actions aimed at social and professional reintegration, social economy may “save” not only the disabled, but all who feel excluded. This dissertation is an analysis of the life of the disabled in the Podlasie region, as well as the disability itself. In the view of existing theories and conducted studies, the real cause of the exclusion of people is presented, thus challenging some stereotypes assigned to the disabled community. In the next part the author analyses social economy in terms of its actual utility in helping disabled persons. As the analysed methods do not fulfil their attributed functions, the author isolates causes of ineffectiveness of this area, then on the basis of critical analysis creates their new model, which should contribute to the effective and noticeable help for the disabled and other excluded people. This dissertation is both theoretical and practical in its character. After presenting the theory, the author analyses it heuristically and consequently transfers his conclusions on the practical dimension, by confronting them with real activities. With the use of critical theory as well as a deconstruction method close to J. Derrida’s method, the real dimension of social economy is shown. It requires new solutions, therefore with the use of former theoretical conclusions, the author applies marketing analysis which results in creating social innovation. The dissertation is of interdisciplinary character, and thus proves that human sciences are only seemingly impractical, useless and incompatible with current human needs. On the contrary, the author attempts to prove that human sciences are very much needed and even indispensable in today’s reality.Wydział Historyczno-Socjologiczn