Social Exclusion, Mental Health, Disadvantage and Injustice

Social exclusion is a global multi-dimensional phenomenon that highlights the need for an extended inclusionary attitude in society. The present paper discusses some under-explored components of social exclusion. The major features of social exclusion as laid out in diverse approaches are described. The ways in which exclusion of the mentally ill and disabled, a relatively neglected group, differs from other forms of exclusion are examined. Attention is drawn to the relationship between social exclusion, disadvantage, deprivation and injustice. It is pointed out that poverty, disadvantage and deprivation may lead to social exclusion, but these factors alone do not constitute the dynamics of exclusion. The bilateral relationship between mental health/ill-health and exclusionary factors is discussed, taking into account elements such as stigmatisation, ‘othering’ or ‘otherness’. The injustice aspect of social exclusion is emphasised, and a case is made for redressal of distributive, procedural and interactional injustice with regard to the mentally ill as well as other excluded groups. A different approach is required in the case of the mentally ill and disabled as an excluded group, with greater action-orientation in policy-making. The discussion concludes with the view that remedying the problem of social exclusion in Indian society needs a multidisciplinary approach, with a focus on ‘ the people as the core ’.