Influence of external factors on social Exclusion in modern society

Social exclusion is a process leading to exclusion of individuals from social groups and relationships. In its most extreme form, it can result in complete social isolation. Social sciences study various types of factors leading to social exclusion: economical (income and quality of life), psychological (personality traits, attitudes, values), social (effectiveness of social support institutions, group cohesion, etc.), and technological (e.g. information and communication technologies available for people). Practices of economically developed countries (e.g. Japan) show that high level of economic well-being and advanced information technologies can lead to increased risks of social exclusion. For example, losing a job or holding a low social status is a more important factor of social exclusion in highly developed countries. The problem of social exclusion is especially risky for disadvantaged social groups such as unemployed, orphans, people with disabilities, and others. The absence of effective social institutes and mechanisms enforce preexisting inequalities and disadvantaged position of such groups in the system of social relations. To compensate and counter-balance such positive-feedback-based mechanisms, complex system targeting different aspects of exclusion are needed. Contemporary views on complicated and multifaceted nature of social exclusion and external factors imply the corresponding set of compensation and prevention tools. Such a system should include not simply increased economic position but also involvement into new social groups and networks. Establishing new forms of employment and adaptation programs targeted at particular disadvantaged and/or discriminated groups (e.g. unemployed youth, orphans) are some examples of such tools.