Social Exclusion: A Disadvantage For Mental Health
Humans tend to be inherently social. We often need other people to survive and thrive in society. We generally rely on cooperation and connection to move past obstacles and live life to the fullest. When this vital need isn’t met, it can have a variety of negative effects on our mental and physical health.
Why is social exclusion a disadvantage?
In general, social exclusion refers to situations in which someone is rejected, overlooked, or neglected in a society setting. In social exclusion, a person could be denied entry somewhere, stripped of their rights, or pushed out of a group.
Social exclusion can be direct or indirect, personal or impersonal. Understanding the ways in which others can be excluded from society and working to prevent those situations may help us create a world that is more welcoming and inclusive. It may also be important to understand how social exclusion can affect you personally and how there are ways to heal from the effects of social exclusion.
Poverty, stigma, and other factors that cause social exclusion
Social exclusion can occur for several reasons. While social exclusion can affect anyone at any stage of life, the following groups may be more susceptible to social exclusion:
Minority groups
People who belong to a minority group may be at increased risk of experiencing social exclusion. For example, those in the LGBTQIA+ community may not be accepted at school or by their parents. Ethnic and racial minorities could potentially be denied jobs or experience discrimination at their place of work because of their identity. Those belonging to certain religious backgrounds may also face harassment and exclusion.
Individuals facing stigma due to disabilities or mental health challenges
Individuals with disabilities can sometimes be intentionally excluded, but they often experience unintentional exclusion too. For example, they may not have the same privileges to buildings and resources that others do. People who live with a disability might experience ostracism while dating as well. Those with mental health conditions may also be harshly judged or excluded.
Seniors
Research shows that seniors often experience high levels of social exclusion. This may be due to reasons, such as retirement, illness, or the death of a significant other.
People in poverty or with a lower-income
Individuals from a lower socioeconomic background can face discrimination and social exclusion, especially in areas like healthcare and mental health services. They may be denied certain resources they need to survive or thrive, which may contribute to them falling deeper into poverty. People with low income might also not have availability to educational resources that others have connection to, and poverty can lead to reduced forms of political and cultural power.
Citizens in prison
People who are in prison may experience some of the highest rates of social exclusion. Regardless of the reason someone is in prison, the pain of being away from loved ones can be difficult to handle. Research shows that when people are released from prison, they can face discrimination, a lack of related services and benefits, and hampered relationships and influence.
Not all social exclusion is done on purpose, but that doesn’t mean unintentional exclusion isn’t hurtful. In many cases, it can be just as harmful as intentional exclusion. The more we can recognize the processes in which socially excluded groups are negatively impacted, the better positioned we may be to respond.
Ways that people in society are socially excluded
Below are some ways that people can experience social exclusion:
The silent treatment: Also called shunning, stonewalling, or ghosting, the silent treatment can be a common but hurtful method of social exclusion. When someone uses the silent treatment, they may completely shut out or ignore another person. Usually, there is a refusal to talk at all, even if the person being shut out tries to connect or start a conversation.
Gossip:It can be hard to hear other people speaking poorly of you or spreading rumors that aren’t true. Gossip can be common among school-age students, but it can happen to anyone.
Bullying:Sometimes people don’t mean to exclude others on purpose, but other times that is their main goal. For example, bullies often attempt to make their targets feel small, unwelcome, and rejected.
Uninvited:Being intentionally left out of a meeting, party, or other gathering can be a form of social exclusion.
If you feel like you’re experiencing social exclusion or related issues, it may be important not to jump to conclusions right away. Rather, you may want to take some time to get some information before judging the situation. If you are experiencing exclusion, there are ways to address it and mitigate its negative effects.
Why is social inclusion important for mental health?
Social inclusion can be important for mental health because it often makes people feel valued, appreciated, and accepted. In general, no one enjoys feeling left out, and it can be hard on a person’s mental health when it happens. Exclusion can lower self-esteem and confidence and contribute to the development of conditions like depression.
How to promote social inclusion in mental health
When certain groups are discriminated against, it can lead to societal ostracism and create cycles of inequality that may be even harder to overcome. By addressing the inequalities facing disadvantaged groups today, we can work toward creating system-wide changes that may last for generations.
Part of inclusivity may involve working toward making mental health care more inclusive. Below are some potential ways to build inclusivity in mental health care for everyone:
Break down barriers to quality care: Legislative solutions aimed at increasing connection to mental health services may help individuals in need, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Provide community support:Support groups, volunteer work, and free mental health programs may all be helpful in times of mental health crisis.
Increase awareness:Employers and educators may be able to help by ensuring their employees and students have educational mental health resources. Employers can also choose to include mental health care in their benefits and healthcare packages.
Everyone can do their part to promote inclusivity in the mental health care field. You may be able to help by spreading awareness in person or through social media with helpful resources. You can also speak out against mental health stigmas so that those around you can become more comfortable with the topic.
Strategies to mitigate the effects of social exclusion
If you’ve been excluded, left out, or rejected, you may be experiencing a whirlwind of emotions. These strong feelings may be difficult to handle. Social exclusion is typically not anyone’s fault, it may help to learn some strategies to cope with the emotions you’re feeling. Below are some tips for keeping your mind healthy:
Lean on your support group: Research published in Frontiers in Psychiatry shows that spending time with family can reduce loneliness. If you don’t have family nearby, it may help to spend time with friends or create your own support group.
Listen to music:While music isn’t meant to be a replacement for connection with others, it can be beneficial because it usually increases the presence of, which can boost your mood and improve overall happiness.
Let yourself feel: Attempting to deny how you feel or bottling up your feelings may make things worse. You might try journaling or talking with a friend if you’re having trouble expressing how you feel.
Find a hobby:Research published in PLoS One suggests that hobbies or leisure activities may have a positive impact on mental health. You may find that hobbies reduce stress, keep you engaged, and help you feel less lonely. Depending on your interests, you might consider playing an instrument, painting, or reading, or you can try an activity that includes others, such as a sport or book club.
Reaching out for help when you’re socially excluded
Social exclusion can contribute to a variety of mental health challenges. If you find yourself having difficulty coping with social exclusion or loneliness, know that you are not alone. Many people experience this, and you may benefit from speaking with a mental health professional. If you feel hesitant about traditional in-person therapy, you might consider online therapy, which research shows to be effective for numerous mental health challenges including anxiety and depression.
Often, online therapy can be a more convenient option as it may allow you to get the help and support you deserve from the comfort of your home without having to worry about transportation. Also, you can choose to communicate with a therapist in a way that’s most comfortable for you, whether by audio, video, live chat, or a combination of these modalities.
Takeaway
Social exclusion can have a variety of negative effects on a person’s mental and physical health. Although it can affect anyone, it may be more likely to affect minority groups, individuals with disabilities, lower-income communities, individuals in prison, and people over the age of 65.
If you’re feeling left out, know that you don’t have to face this situation alone. You may benefit from speaking with a licensed mental health professional, whether you choose to do so online or in person. With BetterHelp, you can choose a therapist who has experience helping people who are facing social exclusion. Take the first step toward overcoming social exclusion and reach out to BetterHelp today.
What is an example of social exclusion?
According to the World Bank Group, 32% of the global population is at risk of social exclusion. Social exclusion can take different forms, including:
Withholding job or labor market opportunities from people of certain backgrounds
Not letting certain people into public places
Refusing to sell houses to people of a certain race
Neglecting certain neighborhoods
Excluding members of a particular group from certain commercial or financial relationships
Ignoring specific populations when conducting a health technology assessment
These are all examples of social exclusion at play. One specific example of social exclusion that led to social death involves Aboriginal communities in Australia. Through murder, theft, and forced assimilation, Aboriginal communities lost their family members, land, social culture, and values.
What are the social effects of exclusion?
Being excluded from groups can have various social effects, including:
Feelings of anger or resentment; negative affect
Reluctance to participate in the community; lack of prosocial behavior
Loss of interpersonal relationships
Aggressive behavior
Depression, loneliness, or low self-esteem
“Social pain”
These effects can all negatively impact public health at large as well as excluded people’s mental and physical health.
Is inequality a cause of social exclusion?
Social exclusion may be caused by past inequalities, which can have lasting effects, or by prejudice in the present. It can also happen unintentionally. For example, jobs and services that require an address may overlook homeless people, even if that wasn’t the intention.
Although social exclusion can happen to anyone, certain groups may be more at risk, such as:
People in poverty
People with disabilities
People with mental illnesses
Seniors
People who were once in prison
LGBT people
Racial and ethnic minority groups
People of certain religions
Institutional care leavers
How does social exclusion affect community development?
Community development programs aim to reduce social exclusion by improving everyday life for groups that have been excluded. For example, they might improve infrastructure, build affordable housing, or make buildings more convenient to people with disabilities.
What is the difference between social inclusion and social exclusion?
In social psychology, social exclusion refers to being overlooked, mistreated, or left behind by a larger group. This can happen in a community or in society at large. It might involve:
Pushing people out of public life
Taking away people’s human rights
Not giving one group the same opportunities as other groups
Denying people the privilege of an education
Discriminating against people based on skin color or social class
Such exclusionary forms of treatment can be toxic to a community. Social inclusion is about reducing social exclusion. The goal is to ensure all groups have the same chance at happiness and well-being. Examples of social inclusion include:
Ensuring children have opportunities for education
Giving disadvantaged groups a voice in their communities
Promoting full privilege to employment opportunities
Encouraging social integration, including childhood relationships with members of a different group
These types of social justice programs can help ensure that everyone is able to participate in their society. It may be important for communities to regularly measure social inclusion and look for ways to improve it.
How do you overcome social exclusion, marginalization, or discrimination?
If you’re feeling a sense of social exclusion, marginalization, or discrimination, it can be important to take steps to care for your mental health. You might try:
Naming the emotions you’re feeling and allowing yourself to feel them
Journaling about your experiences with social life
Practicing self-care, like physical exercise and a healthy diet
Seeking support from friends or family
Looking for ways to join other social groups, either through work, school, or hobbies
Speaking with a counselor
While these tips might not end social exclusion on a societal level, they may help improve individual well-being.
What are some examples of social exclusion or marginalization in society?
Coarse or subtle forms of social exclusion or marginalization may occur due to:
Religious affiliation or beliefs
Political opinions
Race or ethnic origin
Sexual orientation
Besides isolation, what is the disadvantage of being socially excluded?
Human beings are social animals who require social interaction and social relationships. There are many negative effects of social exclusion and marginalization besides mere isolation. Other disadvantages may include:
Perceived lack of meaningful existence
Emotional and even physical pain
Increased frequency of negative emotions like despair and hopelessness
Higher risk of substance misuse
Potential conflict with others
Such effects are preventable, and it starts with awareness of the issue to improve social environments.
Is exclusion a form of discrimination and inequality?
Yes. Various forms of social exclusion may constitute discrimination and inequality.
Why is it important to understand social exclusion?
Understanding how and why many communities experience social exclusion can make a significant difference in how we approach such issues. The more policy makers and the general population know, the better we can identify systemic issues and institutions that consciously or unconsciously support social problems like poverty and social exclusion.
A recent study using an online ball tossing game attempted to gain insight into the psychology of social exclusion. In the study, participants completed a game with a computer programmed to either include or exclude them from the game. These participants believed they were playing with two other human participants. Previous research predicted feelings of missing out (the dependent variable) based on which different group the participants were placed in. However, findings suggested that the participants in the exclusion group did experience fear of missing out, but the underlying fear was of being excluded, not fear of missing the experience itself. Subsequent research could focus on how long these feelings lasted and how they affected cognition after the game ended.
If you want to learn more about social exclusion, Oxford University Press has published two books on the subject: Understanding Social Exclusion and The Oxford Handbook of Social Exclusion.
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