What is the Difference Between Social Inclusion and Social Exclusion?

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Social inclusion and social exclusion are two contrasting processes that occur within societies. The key differences between them are as follows:

  • Definition: Social inclusion refers to the process of improving the terms of participation in society, particularly for people who are disadvantaged, through enhancing opportunities, access to resources, voice, and respect for rights. On the other hand, social exclusion refers to the process when individuals and groups are marginalized from social, economic, and political systems of a particular society.
  • Process: Social inclusion involves engaging people in various social, economic, and political systems, promoting full participation, and respecting diversity. Social exclusion, in contrast, involves shutting people out, preventing full participation, and not valuing diversity.
  • Outcome: Social inclusion aims to create positive changes in a particular social setting, ensuring that all members of society have the opportunity to participate fully in economic, social, political, and cultural life. Social exclusion, however, leads to certain individuals or groups being systematically disadvantaged due to factors such as race, religion, sexual orientation, caste, descent, gender, age, disability, HIV status, migrant status, or where they live.

In summary, social inclusion is the process of promoting full participation and equal opportunities for all individuals in society, while social exclusion is the process of marginalizing certain individuals or groups, leading to their disadvantage and lack of participation in social, economic, and political systems.

Comparative Table: Social Inclusion vs Social Exclusion

Social Inclusion Social Exclusion
Process where all individuals engage in various social, economic, and political systems Process where certain individuals or groups are marginalized from social, economic, and political systems
Involves giving all individuals and groups equal opportunities, access to resources, voice, and respect for rights Involves hindering or denying access to resources, rights, goods, and services, as well as limiting participation in normal relationships and activities
Aims to respect and value diversity among people Does not value diversity and may disrespect differences among people
Promotes full participation in society for everyone Prevents full participation in society for some individuals or groups
Focuses on improving the terms of participation in society for people who are disadvantaged on the basis of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, etc. Creates barriers for disadvantaged individuals and groups, further exacerbating their disadvantages