Key Difference – Social Exclusion vs Vulnerability
Social exclusion and vulnerability are two related concepts between which a key difference can be discerned. Social exclusion refers to the process of marginalizing individuals or groups of a particular society where they are denied full participation in various social, economical and political activities of that society. On the other hand, Social vulnerability refers to the inability of an individual or community to oppose negative situations or impacts. The relationship between these concepts is that Social exclusion can lead people to social vulnerability. It operates as a stressor that created vulnerability in individuals and groups.
What is Social Exclusion?
Social exclusion refers to the process of marginalizing individuals or groups of a particular society where they are denied full participation in various social, economical and political activities of that society. This can occur to individuals as well as people of different communities. In the modern world, people are socially excluded because of their skin color, religion, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, etc. Let us take an example to comprehend this. In some companies, homosexuals experience discrimination in terms of employment. This is a form of social exclusion based on sexual orientation. Similar practices operate for disable individuals as well.
This highlights that social exclusion creates a context in which groups of individuals are not only marginalized by the society but also discriminated. Hence, they are unable to participate fully in social activities. Another feature is that social exclusion entails a denial of access and opportunity. Groups can experience a lack of access or denial of access to education, social services, welfare, etc.
What is Social Vulnerability?
In its broadest sense, vulnerability refers to being exposed to harm or attack. It is a situation where a person is unable to protect himself. When speaking of vulnerability, there are different types to it such as social, cognitive and military vulnerability. Of the three we will be focusing on social vulnerability.
Social vulnerability refers to the inability of an individual or community to oppose negative situations or impacts. These can be referred to as stressors. Stressors include social exclusion, various forms of abuse and natural calamities. In this sense, the relationship between social exclusion and social vulnerability is that social exclusion is a condition which creates vulnerability in people. Sociologists highlight that social vulnerability mainly exists due to structural factors such as social inequality. Although a person may be able to break away from such a condition, it persists for the majority.
There are two models that are used to calculate the vulnerability. They are the Risk Hazard Model and the Pressure Release Model. The Risk Hazard Model was created to comprehend the impact of a hazard and the sensitivity of those who were exposed to the event. The second model of Pressure Release Model analyzes the progression of vulnerability.
What is the difference between Social Exclusion and Vulnerability?
Definitions of Social Exclusion and Vulnerability:
Social Exclusion: Social exclusion refers to the process of marginalizing individuals or groups of a particular society where they are denied full participation in various social, economical and political activities of that society.
Social Vulnerability: Social vulnerability refers to the inability of an individual or community to oppose negative situations or impacts.
Characteristics of Social Exclusion and Vulnerability:
Relationship:
Social Exclusion: Social exclusion can lead to vulnerability.
Social Vulnerability: Social vulnerability is an impact of social exclusion.
Stressors:
Social Exclusion: Social exclusion is one of the stressors of social vulnerability.
Social Vulnerability: Social exclusion, natural calamities, and abuse are stressors of social vulnerability.
Impact:
Social Exclusion: Social exclusion has an impact on individuals as well as communities.
Social Vulnerability: Social vulnerability has an impact on individuals as well as communities.
Image Courtesy:
1. Diversity None 01 By Kurt Löwenstein Educational Center International Team from Germany (qe07 (15)) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
2. Jakarta Slumhome By Jonathan McIntosh – Own work, [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons