Abstract: Social exclusion undoubtedly a social problem worthy of concern. But what about voluntary social exclusion? Whether such voluntary social exclusion also would be a social problem worthy of concern? Brain Barry is of the view that every social exclusion whether voluntary or involuntarily, offends against social solidarity and social justice and hence amounts to a social problem. But Le Grand has argued that this view cannot be upheld in case of voluntary social exclusion because it is based on individual choice. He concludes that voluntary social exclusion is neither unjust nor inequitable because it arises from individual choice. Which view is correct? This paper, by carrying out a detailed study of an Indian society, concludes that in Indian context voluntary social exclusion always amounts to social problem and hence it is true to say social exclusion always includes voluntary social exclusion also.
KEY WORDS:-Social exclusion, voluntary social exclusion, individual choice, Indian society, social problem
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