Social Exclusion

Social Exclusion

[Institution Name]Social Exclusion

Introduction

The paper covers the definition and various aspects of social exclusion. We will discuss why social exclusion is relevant to social work and the issues that arise in relation with social work practices and its value base.

The paper also identifies pitfalls of using social exclusion, anti-discriminatory and oppressive practices as well as social reforms. It concludes with recommendations for improving social exclusion.

Discussion

Social exclusion is a multi-dimension concept of individual or group of individuals is excluded from participating in the society. This exclusion of participation can be wholly or partially, depending on, the reason for exclusion or the culture of the society. UK Department of Internal Development (2005), defines social exclusion as "Social exclusion describes a process by which certain groups are systematically disadvantaged because they are discriminated against on the basis of their ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, caste, descent, gender, age, disability, HIV status, migrant status or where they live. Discrimination occurs in public institutions, such as the legal systems or education and health services as well as social institutions like the households' (p. 3). The exclusion today is a social phenomenon and a political issue, economically poor, socially corrosive and politically explosive.

“Social exclusion is about more than income poverty. It is a short-hand term for what can happen when people or areas face a combination of linked problems, such as unemployment, discrimination, poor skills, low incomes, poor housing, high crime and family breakdown. These problems are linked and mutually reinforcing” (SEU, 2004). Social exclusion cannot be categorised in an area rather there are various examples of social exclusion. People who face social issues regarding their race, income or social status are the victims of social exclusion and are unable to avail the opportunities present for other affluent people. The category of social exclusion seems to have a reference class clearly established, in fact, sometimes refers to individuals, in others work processes, and sometimes, working relationships. Consequently, there is possible to define its extent. On the other hand, it is a vague sense as it is a descriptive category (Chalam, 2011, p.180).

Social exclusion has a major impact on the social work practices as they design their objectives and tasks to work in solidarity against exclusion. The value base of social work practices can deviate because of virtuous issues and discriminatory acts. Social work practices intervene between the social exclusion and reduce its negative impact on society and the nation as a whole.

Many works have been devoted to pointing out the relevance of this concept to refer to the populations in situations of social disadvantage in today's world. It is a concept that intends to consider aspects of the phenomenon. A significant disadvantage of social exclusion is restricting the economy to utilise quality human resource on the longer run, by not providing opportunities and social means of education and progress (DFID, 2005, p. 3.).

Poor is the one who lacks the means to live in dignity. Poverty has been for centuries, the normal state of ...