A Rose by Any Other Name: Exclusion, Inclusion and Deprivation

The choice of vocabulary to describe problems of poverty and inequality can influence the perceptions and scope of both analysis and policy. This article considers the concept of social exclusion, its different meanings and how it has been interpreted and used by researchers and policy-makers. Four broad models of society which give rise to different processes of exclusion are presented, based on earlier work by Hilary Silver-these are synthetically described as solidarity, individual specialization, monopoly and organic differentiation. The dimensions and patterns of exclusion in each are briefly described, in order to highlight their diversity. Three illustrations are then given of the application of a social exclusion approach to policy formulation in France, the UK and India. It is argued that social exclusion cannot be overcome by piecemeal policies, but requires a comprehensive approach.