An Assessment of the Romanian Social Policy Supporting the Integration of the Discriminated Groups in the Social Community

The social integration process designates the interaction between the individual /groups and the social environment through which a functional balance is reached between the social partners. The joint declaration of the social partners of the Laeken Summit (2001) recognizes "the double role of the social policy as a productive factor and a key tool meant to reduce inequalities and promote social inclusion". The Lisbon Summit conclusions focus on the modernization of the European social model regarding social integration and on the actions required in this area in terms of investing in people and fighting against social exclusion, while maintaining a healthy dose of macroeconomic policy for sustainable growth. This paper assesses the Romanian citizens' perception concerning the discriminated groups and the willingness of the Romanian population to accept the proximity of theses minority groups and refers to the national policies aimed specifically at the inclusion of the discriminated groups, via governmental actions meant to improve the economic and social cohesion in Romania, according to the Lisbon Agenda priorities.