TOPIC GUIDE ON SOCIAL EXCLUSION Seema Khan About this guide This GSDRC resource guide aims to introduce some of the best literature on the definitions, understandings, causes, and impact of social exclusion, as well as the ways in which exclusion can be measured and addressed by governments, civil society actors and international organisations. It also highlights the major debates taking place on the issue within the international development and academic communities. It is intended primarily as a reference guide for policymakers. New publications and emerging issues will be incorporated on a quarterly basis. The guide was written by Seema Khan (GSDRC), in close collaboration with Professor Frances Stewart (Centre for Research on Inequality, Human Security and Ethnicity), Dr Rosalind Eyben (Institute of Development Studies) and Professor Bina Agarwal (University of Delhi). The GSDRC also appreciates the contributions made by Dr Rosamund Ebdon (DFID). The guide was last updated by Erika McAslan Fraser. Comments, questions or documents can be sent to
[email protected]. About the GSDRC The Governance and Social Development Resource Centre (GSDRC) provides cutting-edge knowledge services on demand and online. It aims to help reduce poverty by informing policy and practice in relation to governance, conflict and social development. The GSDRC receives core funding from the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). www.gsdrc.org First published December 2009 This revised edition published February 2012 © International Development Department, University of Birmingham Contents Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 4 Definitions and different understandings of social exclusion ............................................. 5 What are the socially excluded excluded from? ........................................................................