Key Difference – Social Inclusion vs Social Exclusion
Social inclusion and social exclusion are contrasting processes that play a key role in society. Social inclusion involves all individuals engaging in various social, economic, and political systems, while social exclusion is the marginalization of certain individuals or groups in society.
What is Social Inclusion?
Social inclusion refers to the process in which all individuals and groups in society have the opportunity to engage in various social, economic, and political systems. The World Bank emphasizes that the concept of social inclusion should be viewed not only as a process but also as an outcome. This is because, once inclusive policies are formulated and implemented in a particular society, the diversity of the people is valued, allowing everyone to live happily in an engaged manner. Social inclusion creates opportunities and abilities for all people, giving them respect within their identity.
What is Social Exclusion?
The term social exclusion was first used in France before spreading to Europe and then throughout the world. Social exclusion refers to the process when individuals and groups are marginalized from social, economic, and political systems of a particular society. This multidimensional process excludes a person from fully participating in social activities, resulting in the person experiencing disadvantages, such as being denied proper health services, education, access to welfare, and even housing. Social exclusion is based on various reasons, such as disability, religion, poverty, ethnicity, color, and immigration. It can be experienced by individuals as well as entire communities or groups of people.
Key Takeaways
- Social inclusion engages people in social, economic, and political systems, while social exclusion shuts people out.
- Social inclusion respects and values the diversity of people, whereas social exclusion does not.
- Social inclusion promotes full participation, while social exclusion prevents it.
