2.3 – Social Exclusion

Fraser, Matt and Currie.

Definition

Social exclusion is a multidimensional process of progressive social rupture, detaching groups and individuals from social relations and institutions and preventing them from full participation in the normal, normatively prescribed activities of the society in which they live.

In other words- people can be excluded from the labour market, services or social relations from adequate income or resources,

Income and resources

If someone is excluded by inadequate income they cannot afford things the majority of people think are necessary due to lack of income. This can happen for many reasons such as having too low an income to support your family.

Exclusion from the Labour market

Exclusion from the labour market means you have a low income or you are unemployed. This can be caused by a low level of education, a disability or a discrimination

Exclusion from services

Being excluded from services is being denied access to your home essentials such as water, gas, electricity or telephone. This is caused by not being able to pay your bills by either having a low paid job or being unemployed. Its thought that 5% of the British population have been disconnected from services at some point.

Exclusion from social relations

Young, sick or elderly people can be excluded from social relations. This means that certain people would not be able to participate in certain social activities such as weddings, birthdays or just talking to their neighbour.

•1.2 million people over 50 in England (ie 7%) face severe‚ multiple exclusion;  •around half of people over 50 suffer disadvantage with respect to one aspect of their life; •1.3 million people over 65 have clinical depression;  •2.2 million households with a member over 60 live in unfit housing;  •2.5 million people over 50 have little social or family contact; •3.4 million people over 50 live in relative poverty.

Stats according to age concern