Social Inclusion and Exclusion

Advantages of Being Integrated into Society

• Access to:
  • Social networks
  • Housing
  • Educational resources
  • Community resources
• Opportunities for participation and growth

Social Exclusion

• Individuals can be pushed to the peripheries of society.
• Results in:
  • Reduced rights and legal protection
  • Limited access to resources
  • Decreased opportunities

Factors Leading to Social Exclusion

1. Poverty

   • Acts as a magnet dragging individuals to the fringes.
   • Leads to social exclusion and denial of resources.

2. Ill Health

   • Includes both mental and physical health issues.
   • Affects ability to engage in society.

3. Discrimination

   • Can be based on race, gender, sexual orientation, culture, citizenship, etc.

4. Lack of Education, Housing, Employment

   • Essential for societal participation.
   • Their absence can lead to exclusion.

Consequences of Social Exclusion

• Ill health
• Increased likelihood of criminal activities

Related Concepts

Segregation

• Involves separation of groups, providing different resources.
• Historically seen in practices like apartheid and racial segregation in the US.
• Segregated groups often receive substandard services.
• Maintained by laws, institutions, and hidden discrimination.

Social Isolation

• Voluntary separation of a community from the mainstream.
• Often to preserve cultural or religious identity.
• Example: Amish communities in the US.
• Differentiates from social exclusion, which is imposed by external factors.