"Social integration" is a broad and ambiguous term, variously understood by different people. To some, it is a positive goal, implying the promotion of well-ordered and harmonious relations at all levels of society. To others, increasing integration has a negative connotation, conjuring up the...

From time immemorial societies have attempted in various ways to shelter people against social and economic adversities. These efforts have mostly tried to meet urgent needs for subsistence and to provide against contingencies. The definition of 'needs' and 'contingencies', and the exact nature...