Experiences of Social Exclusion in Latvia: A Post-Pandemic Perspective Across Generations and Social Groups

Social exclusion is a multifaceted concept that refers to individuals’ inability to participate fully in society due to various structural and personal barriers, such as poverty, limited education, unemployment, and discrimination. Excluded individuals often face obstacles in exercising their rights and accessing opportunities, including social stigma and emotional or physical abuse. These experiences can lead to psychological distress, including heightened anger and irritability particularly among those who were physically isolated during the COVID-19 quarantine. Despite its significance, social exclusion remains under researched, especially in terms of how its dimensions intersect and compound one another. This study aims to evaluate the causes of social exclusion and the interrelationship between its dimensions, with a focus on the Latvian context. A survey was conducted among diverse social groups-parents, students, teachers, pupils, and others to explore their perceptions and personal experiences of exclusion. The findings reveal that social exclusion often arises during periods of life transition, such as parental leave, job loss, or changes in educational environments. The COVID-19 pandemic and evolving communication habits, particularly the shift toward digital interaction, were identified as key contributors to exclusion. The study highlights that the dimensions of social exclusion such as isolation, economic exclusion, and cultural exclusion are closely interlinked, with one often serving as a precursor to another. These insights underscore the need for holistic approaches to understanding and addressing social exclusion in contemporary society.