Defining Social Marginalization: Concepts and Group Typologies

Social Marginalization: Definition and Typologies

The Concept of Social Exclusion

Social exclusion is a complex phenomenon, showing various changes over time. Alienation is defined both by its own characteristics and by reference to something that is not owned or is absent. Namely, being marginalized is to be out or outside a particular social reality.

The phenomenon of marginalization is often linked to poverty and the material environment. However, ideological marginalization can occur that does not carry conditions of poverty or indigence. Many authors define marginalization as a situation where an individual or group does not have access to a comparable average level of quality of life.

Objective and Subjective Interpretations

From this definition, marginalization is often viewed as a situation beyond the control of the individuals who experience it (an objective, structural view). Another interpretation is also possible: a subjective, internal, individual view.

It is crucial to distinguish between objective situations of marginalization and subjective feelings of marginalization, without requiring both concepts to be matched. An individual can be marginalized without being conscious of it, or they can have that feeling with no objective reasons for it. In a constitutional sense, marginalization is defined as the non-enjoyment of certain rights.

We must consider that marginalization is not an immutable concept. What was marginal yesterday may not be today; what is marginal here is probably not elsewhere. Time and space can dramatically alter the essence of marginalization.

Typologies of Marginalized Groups

Not all forms of marginalization are subject to the same interpretation. The marginalization of an alcoholic is not the same as that of an offender, yet all can carry the label of 'outsider.' We must try to find an explanation for why these marginalized groups exist at the margins of the society in which they live. We must take into account the following typologies:

1. Deficit-Based Marginalization

   Individuals who are marginalized due to some kind of deficit in their physical or mental capabilities, preventing them from participating fully in society. The causes of marginalization lie in their own deficits and the barriers to full social integration.

2. Voluntary Exclusion

   Collectives that voluntarily depart from the system, defending an ideology opposed to it. This marginalization is caused by the lack of tolerance and flexibility of the social system.

3. Rejected Social Practices

   Collectives engaged in social practices that are rejected (e.g., drug addicts, prostitutes). This marginalization is also caused by the lack of tolerance and flexibility of the social system.

4. Socioeconomic and Ethnic Marginalization

   Groups marginalized because of their ethnicity or socioeconomic status. The causes of this marginalization relate to the wealth and well-being achieved by society, the distribution of that wealth, and the opportunities to access welfare. Its effects include social integration problems for the group and a loss of confidence in their own social system.