Single-province social inclusion models in Spain: similarities and differences in the Autonomous Regions of La Rioja and Murcia

Abstract

La Rioja and Murcia are two single-province Autonomous Regions that have been governed by the Spanish conservative party since the mid-90s. Although they have developed different social inclusion models, they share common elements. This paper analyses their social inclusion models by means of a comparative analysis, taking into account the different stages of development over the past three decades. The analysis includes the areas of social services, employment, education, and income. The common elements – similar documentary commitment in law, programmes, and benefits; excessive delegation in the social economy sector; limited planning and lack of coordination – outweigh the differences – Murcia’s more unfavourable context; higher social risk, and lower spending on social protection.