Poverty as Social Exclusion

Amartya Sen and the Evolution of the Concept of PovertyLeland Joseph R. de la CruzDirector, Development Studies Program

References

Sen, Amartya (2000). Social Exclusion: Concept, Application and Scrutiny. Manila: Asian Development Bank

Rodger, Gore and Figueredo (1995). Rhetoric, Reality, Responses. Geneva: International Institute for Labor Studies.

Unemployment and Exclusion

Skill loss: unlearning by not doingLoss of bargaining powerLoss of self-esteem, self-confidencePsychological harm and miseryIll-health and mortalityDisruptive of human relationsDiscouragementBreeds cynicism

Social Exclusion as a Universal Concept

Poverty as a Third World phenomenon; social exclusion as a global phenomenon.Multiple sectors can be considered excluded.

Excluded Sectors

Poverty groupsWomenDisabled

Social Exclusion

Inability to participate in the life of a community.

Forms of Exclusion

Physical/ Geographic ExclusionEconomic Exclusion“Structural” ExclusionDiscriminationLegal/ Political Exclusion“Cultural” Exclusion

Social Exclusion

Social Exclusion is a form of povertySocial Exclusion is a cause of poverty

Cause of Poverty

To be excluded is to be deprived of access to:

A source of entitlementsA source of informationA mechanism for reducing

transactions costs

Addressing Social Exclusion

Awareness and sensitivityEmpowerment of excluded groupsCreating spaces for inclusionStructural adjustments

Addressing Social Exclusion

Awareness and Sensitivity For cultural exclusion: recognition and

celebration of differences, efforts at translation

Empowerment of excluded groups• Cultural empowerment• Organizing work

Addressing Social Exclusion

Creating spaces for inclusion Improving communications, access to

information Creating spaces for political participation Creating shared cognitive spaces Democratizing benefits

Structural Adjustments Adjusting program design Legislation

Poverty as Social Exclusion

Amartya Sen and the Evolution of the Concept of PovertyLeland Joseph R. de la CruzDirector, Development Studies Program