Social Exclusion: Deprivation, Isolation, Shame, Etc

Social exclusion
Social exclusion has been interpreted differently in different contexts at different times. It is a
multidimensional term. This is why it is a bit difficult to define it in a precise manner. The term was
initially coined in France in 1974 where it was defined as a rupture of social bonds. Later on it became
the central theme of social policy in many European countries.
As a broader framework of social policy, it was suggested that social exclusion is the process that
excludes individuals, groups and aggregates from full participation in the society in which they live.
This term was used to denote various categories of people, identified as mentally and physically ill or
handicapped, suicidal people, aged invalids, abused children, substance abusers, delinquents, single
parents, marginal asocial persons and other social misfits.
Because of stigmatized and narrow view, this notion of social exclusion was later on abandoned and was
used for neo-poverty—the poverty that culmi-nated due to technological change and economic
restructuring. In this sense, the concept of social exclusion was broadened to refer an overall process of
social disintegration meaning rupture of the relationship between the individual and society.
Nowadays, the term ‘social exclusion’ is used for the population which is excluded in community life.
Such populations are discriminated in providing basic services, amenities and equal opportunities
necessary for their devel-opment. Not only this, they are deprived of social life. Thus, social exclusion is
a process of limiting social relations and the denial of providing equal and living opportunities imposed
by certain groups of society upon others which leads to the inability of an individual to participate
actively in the basic political, economic and social functioning of the society.
It involves both the act of restricting access to resources and the consequences that follow. In brief,
social exclusion refers to the process through which groups are, wholly or partially, excluded from full
participation in the society in which they live. These main processes include discrimination,
deprivation, isolation, shame, etc.
In Indian context, the main bases of social exclusion are religion, ethnicity, gender and caste. Social
exclusion, which is based on discrimination, may be active or passive. In active exclusion, its agents
(government or private agencies) refuse to lure or accept the participation of the members of the group
excluded despite their equal formal qualifications.
Generally, such agents favour those who are equally or less qualified. In passive exclusion, discriminated
group is prevented indirectly through discouragement and intimidation and thus lowering their self-
confidence. This results in their poor performance, directly through routes that limit access to income or
education.
Passive exclusion is caused through unintended attempts and circumstances or through inability of some
persons to relate to other persons. As said above, exclusion may be direct or indirect. In direct exclusion,
fair norms of exclusion are violated which sometimes is termed as unfavourable exclusion while in
indirect exclusion, fair norms of inclusion are violated and is also termed as unfavourable inclusion.
Exclusion is both a-process and product. It involves mainly four compo-nents:
(1) The excluded,
(2) The agents whose actions result in the exclusion,
(3) The institutions from which they are excluded, and
(4) The process through which it occurs.
Power holds the key in the process of exclusion and those with power are implicated and those without
it are affected. In course of exclusion power asymmetries are observed resulting in the exclusion of
certain groups and individuals.
Mechanisms of Social Exclusion:
Following five main mechanisms through which social exclusion is practised:
1. Geographical segregation:
It is generally observed that the so-called untouchables (dalits) and even minorities are residentially
segregated from the mainstream society. They are made to live and construct their residential places
and dwellings outside the villages or at the periphery of village or town. Most of the tribals live in hills
and forests and are excluded from the mainstream population.
2. Intimidation:
To exclude, intimidation in any form is used as the main arm. Verbal abuse, sarcastic remarks, threat of
harm are the main means of intimidation. It can be observed at every level in a society. Intimidation is a
major form of control used by men over other men and women.
3. Physical violence:
When threat of harm does not work, actual (physical) violence is used. It can be committed by the state,
community, group or individuals. Violence against women in the household and against poor people and
ethnic and religious minorities is reported to be practised all over the world. Domestic violence is rooted
in the norms of gender inequality and patriarchy.
4. Barriers to entry:
At many places and in many spheres, people excluded are debarred from entry. Barriers to entry
involving the state are mostly related to documentation requirements. Other than documents,
transition costs is another way to put hurdle in the entry of the excluded. Transition costs are the costs
that are involved in acquiring a good service above and beyond its actual price.
5. Corruption:
Corruption is the main cause of many social evils in India and elsewhere. It prevails all over the world.
The people who are excluded from obtaining goods and services do not have the required necessary
amount to pay for securing jobs, health care and other public services. It causes insecurity among the
excluded. Corruption denies access to resources, opportunities and information.
Impact of Social Exclusion: (Elaborate these points)
Social exclusion results in the following main consequences:
1. It leads to various kinds of deprivations—economic, educational, cultural and social.
2. It leads to the impoverishment of human life and develops a poorer sense of well-being.
3. It leads to inequality, poverty, unemployment and involuntary migration.
4. It leads to social stigmatization and marginalization.
5. It develops fear complex among the excluded.
6. It puts various restrictions on the excluded about their free and full participation in the economic,
cultural and political activities.
7. On the whole, it puts an intense negative impact on the quality of life.

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Social Exclusion: Deprivation, Isolation, Shame, Etc

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Social exclusion

Exclusion is both a-process and product. It involves mainly four compo-nents:

(1) The excluded,

(2) The agents whose actions result in the exclusion,

(3) The institutions from which they are excluded, and

(4) The process through which it occurs.

Mechanisms of Social Exclusion:

Following five main mechanisms through which social exclusion is practised:

Impact of Social Exclusion: (Elaborate these points)

Social exclusion results in the following main consequences:

1. It leads to various kinds of deprivations—economic, educational, cultural and social.

3. It leads to inequality, poverty, unemployment and involuntary migration.

4. It leads to social stigmatization and marginalization.

5. It develops fear complex among the excluded.

7. On the whole, it puts an intense negative impact on the quality of life.

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