DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONCEPTS
HOW THE CONCEPTS OF SOCIAL EXCLUSION AND INCLUSION CAME INTO BEING?
SOC607
Mgr. Ivana Rapošová
Mgr. Lenka Kissová

EXCLUSION & INCLUSION.
ETERNAL DYNAMICS?
§historic processes
§exclusion as a natural way of bonding -> group identity
§in-group vs. out-group, significant other vs. the Other
§currently: emphasis on social cohesion
§too diversified societies are not cohesive -> risk of conflict

FROM POVERTY TO SOCIAL EXCLUSION
§social inclusion/exclusion/cohesion emerging in 1970’s in France
§from communitarian approach (1960’s and 1970’s) to social structure (individual/community problem
-> structural disadvantagement)
§from understanding marginalization in economic terms to political, social, economic and cultural
dimension
§part of the European agenda since 2000 -> national inclusive policies
§context of V4 countries – adopting the terminology thanks to the EU integration process

ACTIVITY: FINDING A PROPER DEFINITION
Instructions:
1.You will be working independently in a group of 3-4 students
2.During the activity, you can use the course materials, books, your computers, and smartphones
3.Do the research. Each group should find at least 5 different definitions of one of the following
concepts: social inclusion, social exclusion, social cohesion, discrimination, affirmative action.
If you use internet, try using Google Scholar.
4.Use the flipchart paper to write down the definitions and any other remarks. Write down the
sources of all definitions.
5.Discuss in the group the pros and cons of respective definitions and decide on one which you
consider the best. Provide arguments for your choice.
6.Introduce the definitions to your classmates and comment on them.

SOCIAL INCLUSION & EXCLUSION
TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN?
§a continuum instead of two poles
§two dynamics often existing side by side
§inclusive paradox

NEW NARRATIVES. DO WE NEED THEM?
§newly emerging narrative – from vertical understanding of disadvantagement to horizontal one
§PROS – departure from economic dimension to social categories of racial/ethnic/religious
identities, joined European approach
§CONS – concealing social inequalities (Levitas 2005), empty European categories
§In what ways do social inclusion and exclusion serve us to better capture the social reality?
§In what ways they conceal social injustice coming from inequality?
§What implications do they have for daily life of people?