Social Exclusion

Social Exclusion. Also known as ‘social marginalization,’ is the social disadvantage and relegation to the fringe of society. It is a term that has been used widely in Europe and was first used in France in the late 20th century.

The European Commission, the European Union‘s politically independent executive arm, defines it as “a situation whereby a person is prevented (or excluded) from contributing to and benefiting from economic and social progress.” It is used across disciplines including education, sociology, psychology, healthcare, politics, and economics.

Social exclusion is the process in which individuals are blocked from (or denied full access to) various rights, opportunities and resources that are normally available to members of a different group, and which are fundamental to social integration and observance of human rights within that group (e.g., due process).

Alienation or disenfranchisement resulting from social exclusion can be connected to a person’s social class, race, skin color, religious affiliation, ethnic origin, caste, educational status, childhood relationships, living standards, and or political opinions, and appearance.

Such exclusionary forms of discrimination may also apply to disabled people, minorities, LGBTQ+ people, drug users, institutional care leavers, the elderly, and the young. Anyone who appears to deviate in any way from perceived norms of a population may thereby become subject to coarse or subtle forms of social exclusion.

The outcome of social exclusion is that affected individuals or communities are prevented from participating fully in the economic, social, and political life of the society in which they live. This may result in resistance in the form of demonstrations, protests, or lobbying from the excluded people.

See: United in Isolation: Our Collective Voice Against Social Exclusion (July 8, 2021)