Social exclusion as theoretical construct: conceptualization problems

Abstract

In the present paper, an attempt is made to generalize the methodology for investigating a new social reality, social exclusion in Russian society in the context of analyzing and evaluating contemporary sociological thought. The author of the paper is relied on the fact that social exclusion is a fairly "uncharted" discourse for the Russian sociological community, that in the social diagnostics the priority of studying poverty is firmly established, which is quite understandable in the conditions of social polarization of Russian society. At the same time, social exclusion is recognized as a state of social groups and strata that are not only marginal, standing on the margins of society and not playing a role in social attitudes and social practices, but also dispersed in social groups and strata "pointy" as risk zones, fears and anxieties. Proceeding from the conceptual generalizations of Russian sociologists, it is concluded that social exclusion contains analytical and prognostic potential within the framework of research and processes of social marginalization, and the interpretation and evaluation of voluntary and forced social ghettoization. It is concluded that social exclusion needs to be conceptualized on the basis of scientific discussion with the aim of achieving a convention on the subject field and methodological guidelines contributing to the legitimization of social exclusion in public discourse