Key Difference – Social Inclusion vs Social Exclusion
Social inclusion and exclusion are two processes between which a key difference can be highlighted. In each society, certain practices of social inclusion and exclusion can be seen. These have to be seen as contrary processes. Social inclusion is the process where all individuals engage in various social, economical and political systems whereas social exclusion is where certain individuals or groups in the society are marginalized.
What is Social Inclusion?
Social inclusion refers to the process where all individuals and groups in society are given the opportunity to engage in various social, economical and political systems. World Bank records highlight that the concept of social inclusion should not be merely seen as a process itself but as an outcome as well. This is because once inclusive policies are formulated and implemented in a particular society, the diversity of the people are valued, allowing all people to live happily in an engaged manner. It creates opportunities and abilities for all people and gives them respect to live in the society within their identity.
Social inclusion is the opposite of social exclusion. It created positive changes in a particular social setting so that practices and circumstances that create social exclusion can be uprooted. In different countries, various steps are being taken that would lead to social inclusion. One of the first steps is to eradicate poverty so that people can embrace the opportunities around them. It also aims to allow people to actively participate in social settings and voice their opinions. Most experts believe that if these steps were carried out, they would enable people to enjoy access to all services and opportunities.
What is Social Exclusion?
The term social exclusion was first used in France. It then spread to Europe. Now in the modern society, people all over the world experience social exclusion in different ways due to different reasons. Social exclusion refers to the process when individuals and groups are marginalized from social, economical and political systems of a particular society. In this sense, the process is multidimensional. It excludes a person from fully participating in social activities, and the person is bound to experience disadvantages. For example, a person can be denied proper health services, education, access to welfare and even housing.
Social exclusion is founded on various reasons. Some such reasons are disability, religion, poverty, ethnicity, color, immigration, etc. Most people who are excluded in the society are discriminated by the majority. It must be stressed that social exclusion is not experienced by individuals alone; it can even be entire communities or groups of people. For instance people with black skin used to experience a lot of social exclusion in the past although the situation has improved now.
What is the difference between Social Inclusion and Social Exclusion?
Definitions of Social Inclusion and Social Exclusion:
Social Inclusion: Social inclusion refers to the process where all individuals and groups in society are given the opportunity to engage in various social, economical and political systems.
Social Exclusion: Social exclusion refers to the process when individuals and groups are marginalized from social, economical and political systems of a particular society.
Characteristics of Social Inclusion and Social Exclusion:
Process:
Social Inclusion: The process involves engaging people.
Social Exclusion: The process involves shutting people out.
Diversity:
Social Inclusion: The diversity of people is respected and valued.
Social Exclusion: Diversity is not valued.
Full participation:
Social Inclusion: Social inclusion promotes full participation.
Social Exclusion: Social exclusion prevents full participation.
Image Courtesy:
1. Harmony day By DIAC images – Harmony Day, [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
2. Enfants des rues By burgermac – Flickr, [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons