Social exclusion is defined as an act of rejecting or isolating someone from participation in social activities, social groups, or society as a whole. It can happen due to various reasons like racism, class discrimination, poverty, disability, gender inequality, etc., which are often based on prejudice and stereotypes. Social exclusion alters moral consciousness and empathy because it makes individuals feel excluded, isolated, and rejected, leading to a lack of understanding and compassion for others. This essay will explore how social exclusion affects moral consciousness and empathy through three major concepts: Moral Consciousness, Empathy, and The Effects on Intergroup Relations.
Moral Consciousness
Moral consciousness refers to the ability to recognize right and wrong behavior and make ethical decisions. When people experience social exclusion, they may become desensitized to morality and lose their sense of what is right and wrong. They might engage in immoral behaviors such as bullying, harassment, or even violence towards those who have excluded them.
A person who has been excluded due to their sexual orientation may turn violent against members of that group out of frustration and anger. In addition, social exclusion can also lead to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, making it difficult for individuals to make positive choices. Therefore, social exclusion weakens moral consciousness by reducing one's ability to distinguish between good and bad actions.
Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another individual. When someone experiences social exclusion, they may become less empathetic towards those around them. Instead of feeling sympathy or concern, they may develop a sense of entitlement or superiority over others, believing that they are more deserving than those who exclude them. As a result, social exclusion can lead to selfish and narcissistic attitudes, where individuals prioritize their needs above everyone else's.
An individual who feels discriminated against based on their gender identity may lack empathy for women and view them as inferior beings. This attitude can lead to negative consequences such as sexism, misogyny, and transphobia.
Effects on Intergroup Relations
Social exclusion affects intergroup relations because it creates a cycle of hostility and distrust between groups. Those who experience exclusion often blame other groups for their situation and develop prejudices against them. They may see themselves as victims and view others as oppressors, leading to conflict and violence.
Social exclusion can lead to segregation, where individuals isolate themselves from different groups to avoid experiencing further rejection. This can create divisions within society and prevent meaningful dialogue and collaboration among diverse communities.
Social exclusion has a profound impact on moral consciousness and empathy, making individuals less sensitive to ethical considerations and unable to relate to others. It leads to cycles of hostility, distrust, and segregation, which threaten the fabric of our society. Therefore, addressing social exclusion is crucial in promoting justice, equality, and harmony in our communities.
How does social exclusion alter moral consciousness and empathy?
Social exclusion refers to the process of denying individuals access to social resources such as friendship, companionship, recognition, belonging, and acceptance. It can lead to feelings of rejection, loneliness, isolation, and depression which can have detrimental effects on mental health. Psychologically, it has been shown that social exclusion can cause changes in moral consciousness and empathy. In experiments conducted by Baumeister et al.