Abstract:
Social exclusion exists in alt societies irrespective of its economy. People
generally misunderstand rising inequality in society with a failure to make economic
progress. In slowly growing and stagnant economies, a widening gap between rich and
poor does indeed entail an increase in social exclusion. But even in fast-growing
economies, social exclusion is possible and quite normal. This is to say that rate of
economic growth is not the only factor deciding nature and degree of social exclusion.
Given that, social exclusion is usually defined by a combination of factors. It is possible
to be a part of a single demographic group only, and to be socially excluded.
Nevertheless, a theme common to most, if not all, definitions of social exclusion is that
social exclusion is multidimensional. "Social exclusion is about more than income
poverty. It is a short-hand term for what can happen when people or areas face a
combination of linked problems, such as unemployment, discrimination, poor skills,
low incomes, poor housing, high crime and family breakdown. These problems are
linked and mutually reinforcing" (SEU, 2004). Most promising theory of equality which
fits the concern of social exclusion is the, relational theory. On this theory, what matters
is the relation in a society, or to create a society in which there is equal respect,
regardless of whether there is any actual material equality of condition. To create such a
society, it is required that there be provision of sufficient capabilities that no one is
forced to feel ashamed of their condition. Social inclusion, therefore, is about providing
sufficient levels of capabilities. This paper discusses about the notion of Social
exclusion from different approaches from social science literature and the practical
implications are spelt. Normative theory of social exclusion and Amartya sen's
capability approach- which is not a theory of justice or equality, but a theory of a
society which has high levels of well-being and quality of life- are discussed. To start
to tackle the problem of social exclusion effectively, it is important to understand why it
had become so pronounced in countries of the world, rich or poor. The causes are
different in each country. For example in most western countries, reasons such as the
move to high-skill, high-tech industries; and increasing rates of family breakdown may
all be the reasons. In This context, social exclusion is explained with a study made on
the problems of SC/ST students in accessing higher education in Tamil nadu. In India,
social exclusion exists in various forms, caste discrimination being major among them.
Major consequences of social exclusion and some possible remedies too are discussed.
