Poverty and social exclusion are two interrelated concepts that are often used together. Poverty refers to a lack of resources, while social exclusion refers to the inability of individuals or groups to participate fully in society due to various factors such as poverty, discrimination, and marginalization. Poverty is a form of social exclusion because it prevents individuals from accessing basic resources and opportunities that are necessary for full participation in society.

• Economic Dimension Poverty can be seen as a form of social exclusion in several ways. Firstly, the poor are often excluded from the economic system, as they lack the resources to participate fully in the market economy. They are unable to afford basic necessities, such as food, clothing, and shelter, and are often denied access to opportunities for employment and income generation. This economic exclusion often results in social exclusion, as the poor are marginalised and stigmatised in society.

• For instance : Gated communities and nearby slums epitomize stark cultural disparities. Within these enclaves, household staff and gatekeepers often reflect this divide, navigating separate lifts and stairs. This physical segregation underscores how poverty remains a potent force in perpetuating social exclusion.
• Anthony Giddens argues that Homelessness is the worst form of social exclusion.They are often excluded from the economic system (unable to afford housing), the political system (their voices and interests are often ignored), social networks (they are often isolated and stigmatised), and the dominant culture (their situation is often blamed on their own personal failings, rather than structural inequalities).

• Exclusion from Essential Capabilities and Freedoms:  Amartya Sen’s capability approach emphasizes that poverty is not solely the absence of income; it is the exclusion from  of essential capabilities and freedoms. Poverty restricts individuals from participating fully in the market economy, limiting their life choices, life chances and opportunities.

Eg. Andre Beteille in his study of Sripuram Village found that lower class samarthas( Brahmins) were largely excluded by upper class samarthas and Sri vaishnavas.

• Political Dimension: Poverty often results in political exclusion, where the impoverished have limited access to political processes. They are unable to influence decisions and policies that directly affect their lives. This exclusion further exacerbates their economic and social marginalization, creating a cycle of disadvantage.

• “Low-income migrants often find themselves overlooked by both the political elites at their place of origin and their destination, as they are often excluded from the rights of voting and running for office.

• Lack of social capital : Social exclusion encompasses not only economic disparities but also the absence of robust social networks and relationships. Robert Putnam’s concept of social capital underscores the significance of these networks in achieving social inclusion. For individuals grappling with poverty, social exclusion often results in isolation and a dearth of essential social support. This social exclusion can lead to a sense of hopelessness and despair, further deepening their poverty.
• Cultural Dimension: Pierre Bourdieu’s concept of “symbolic violence“ highlights the cultural dimension of poverty and social exclusion. Symbolic violence refers to the way in which the dominant culture stigmatizes and marginalizes the impoverished, blaming them for their situation rather than acknowledging the structural factors contributing to their poverty. This cultural norm and stereotype can lead to the exclusion of the impoverished from resources and opportunities.

• Not only has the poverty led to social exclusion but social exclusion creates multiple deprivations leading to poverty. Feminisation of poverty is a phenomenon illustrating how prolonged exclusion culminating into poverty, not only economic, but social and political too.

To break the vicious cycle of poverty and social exclusion, it is important to adopt a multidimensional approach that takes into account the different dimensions of poverty and social exclusion. Amartya Sen’s capability approach emphasizes the importance of expanding people’s capabilities to live the lives they value, “Antodaya,” which means “rising of the poorest,” is a concept that emphasizes the need to focus on the poorest and most marginalized sections of society can help us to solve the issue of poverty and social exclusion. Social, economic, and political justice are also important in addressing poverty and social exclusion.