Explanation
Social exclusion refers to the denial of full participation in economic, social, political, and cultural life. It can affect access to education, employment, housing, and justice. People may be excluded based on poverty, race, gender, immigration status, disability, or other factors. Social exclusion is not only a consequence of inequality but also reinforces it.
Theoretical Reference
Social exclusion is a core concept in critical sociology and criminology, where it helps explain why certain populations are over-policed, under-protected, or systematically disadvantaged. It intersects with theories of stigma, deviance, and structural violence.