An Analysis of Social Exclusion: Framing the Debate with Lessons from Haryana | Original Article

ABSTRACT:

The term social exclusion has different definitions and meanings for different academic and policy constituencies, a point that is readily illustrated by the different chapters in this study. Emphasis on different aspects of exclusion reflects different purposes and contexts. Consequently, achieving a single overarching definition may not be desirable. But at the same time, given the convergence in concerns over the effects of social exclusion, there is a need to work towards a more widely shared framework and language for understanding what it is. In particular, development of a broader perspective is useful for thinking about where, when and how interventions might be most effective. For example, it is important to be aware that interventions that might tackle social exclusion in one context could have contradictory effects in others. This study explores exclusion in the contexts of education, health, housing, business, class, caste, religion and community integration. It also looks at social exclusion policy at the district,state and national levels, as well as historically.