For many in neoliberal secular society, the good life means a self-determined life, free from oppressive connections, and in which meaning is experienced primarily through connection with others and by being productive. But for people for whom this is not self-evident due to a temporary or permanent disability, the bar has become very high. To do them justice, reflection on the ethics of the inclusive participatory society is needed.
Drawing on political and social philosophy about being able to be yourself (Charles Taylor), having possibilities (Martha Nussbaum), and being connected to the world (Hartmut Rosa), Dries de Moor considered what meaning is given to the good life. In addition to this conceptual synthesis, this dissertation reports on a field study of the views of care providers and participants in practices of day care on care farms. The dissertation has shown that the focus in society, social work and in day care is heavily on neoliberal views of participation and good citizenship, and too little on dignity and a wider variety of sources of meaning. It is argued why this is necessary for a truly inclusive society and for the realization of the mission of social work and day care.
Dries de Moor studied Social Pedagogical Assistance (B) and Religious Studies (M). He worked in social care, mental health care and higher vocational education. Dries works as a teacher and researcher at the HAN, focusing on themes such as ethics and meaning in relation to social work practices.