Navigating the labyrinth of social exclusion: a bibliometric review
| Date | 17 April 2024 |
| Pages | 1183-1203 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-02-2024-0025 |
| Published date | 17 April 2024 |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Mental health,Social inclusion |
| Author | Farsha Farahana Ahmad Izhan,Aidi Ahmi,Nor Azairiah Fatimah Othman,Muhammad Majid |
Navigating the labyrinth of social
exclusion: a bibliometric review
Farsha Farahana Ahmad Izhan, Aidi Ahmi, Nor Azairiah Fatimah Othman and
Muhammad Majid
Abstract
Purpose –This study aims to provide a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of social exclusion
research,examining its evolution and identifying emergingtrends and influential contributions in the field.
Design/methodology/approach –Using bibliometricand thematic analysis of 3,041 Scopus database
documents, the study uses tools likeVOSviewer for network analysis and Biblioshiny for trend analysis,
focusingon publication patterns, authorcontributions and thematic clusters.
Findings –The findings reveal significant growth in social exclusion research since 1979, highlighting
key contributions from diverse academic fields. Notabletrends include the rise of digital exclusion and
environmentaljustice themes. The study identifies leadingauthors, institutions and countries contributing
to this field,along with highly cited documents thathave shaped the discourse on social exclusion.
Research limitations/implications –The study acknowledges its reliance on Scopus data and
suggests incorporating other databases for future research. It highlights the need to exploreemerging
topicsand address literature gaps.
Originality/value –This paper presentsa unique bibliometric perspectiveon social exclusion research,
underscoringits interdisciplinary nature and evolving focus. The study’s comprehensiveapproach offers
valuable insights into the field’s trajectory, contributing to a deeper understanding of social exclusion
phenomena.
Keywords Social exclusion, Bibliometric analysis, Interdisciplinaryresearch, Digital exclusion,
Environmental justice, Academic trends
Paper type General review
1. Introduction
In the intricate tapestry of human society, the threads of social connections and
belonging form the foundation upon which individuals construct their identities and find
their place within the communal structure. Yet, the stark reality of social exclusion poses
a formidable threat to these essential bonds, severing ties and perpetuating a hierarchy
of disenfranchisement that resonates with severe consequences for those relegated to its
margins (Von Der Putten and Bock, 2023). The dynamics of social exclusion extend
beyond the mere absence of material resources, weaving a complex pattern of
deprivation that effectively ostracizes individuals from the societal nexus, barring them
from full and equitable participation in the collective economic, social and political life
(Pohlan, 2019).
This insidious process delineates and solidifies societal hierarchies, segregating individuals
by caste, creed, race and a multitude of identities, fostering an environment where
discrimination and prejudice cast long shadows over the prospects of unity and equality
(Lantian et al.,2018). A spectrum of rejection fromthe subtle disregard by friends and family
to the blatant ostracization in professional settings, characterizes the lived experiences of
those facing social exclusion. For those from stigmatized groups, this can culminate in a
profound sense of invisibility, where feelings of inadequacy and incompetence are an
Farsha Farahana Ahmad
Izhan is based at the
Faculty of Business and
Management, Universiti
Teknologi MARA
Cawangan Johor, Kampus
Segamat, Segamat,
Malaysia. Aidi Ahmi is
based at the Accounting
Information Systems
Research and
Development Institute
(AISRED),Tunku Puteri
Intan Safinaz School of
Accountancy, Universiti
Utara Malaysia, Sintok,
Malaysia.
Nor Azairiah Fatimah
Othman and Muhammad
Majid are both based at the
Faculty of Business and
Management, Universiti
Teknologi MARA
Cawangan Johor, Kampus
Segamat, Segamat,
Malaysia.
This project was funded by
FRGS Grant, Ministry of Higher
Education Malaysia with grant
code of FRGS/1/2022/SS02/
UITM/02/13.
DOI 10.1108/MHSI-02-2024-0025 VOL. 28 NO. 6 2024, pp. 1183-1203, ©Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2042-8308 jMENTAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL INCLUSION jPAGE 1183
everyday struggle, echoing the profound need for societal acknowledgment and inclusion
(Rabelo and Mahalingam, 2019).
Empirical evidence highlightsthe pervasive reach of social exclusion, with current estimates
indicating that approximately 32% of the global populace is vulnerable to its effects,
translating to between 2.33 and 2.43 billion individuals in 2022 alone (Cuesta et al.,2022;
Villa-Enciso et al.,2023). The manifestations of exclusion are diverse, ranging from passive
neglect to overt aggression, each with significant repercussions on emotional states,
cognitive functions and behavioral responses such as reactance, defensive postures and
aggression (Best and Bowie, 2022). These implications are profound, presenting not just
individualized challenges but societal ones, as social exclusion hinders the collective goal
of rapid and inclusive development(Haluwalia et al., 2022).
In response to this necessity, the present study uses bibliometric analysis to delve into the
current trends and themes in social exclusion research. This methodology allows for
exploring the literature landscape, identifying pivotal contributions and emerging
discourses. Thus, this study seeksto answer the following research questions (RQ):
RQ1. What is the currentstate of scholarly literature regarding social exclusion?
RQ2. How have the trends and growth patterns in the publication of social exclusion
research evolved?
RQ3. What are the key contributions of authors, countries and institutions to social
exclusion?
RQ4. Which arethe most influential documents in social exclusionliterature?
RQ5. What themesand topics are currently prevalent in social exclusion research?
2. Literature review
2.1 Social exclusion
Social exclusion is the condition of being isolated from or excluded by another person or
group of people (Williams et al.,2000). The term perceived social exclusion can describe a
particular context of feeling excluded from society (Baumbach et al.,2023). Williams (2009)
identified the temporal need-threat model of ostracism as the primary theoretical model that
examined the effects of ongoing social exclusion in three subsequent temporal stages.
During the reflexive stage, victims experience hurt and negative emotions, indicating that
social exclusion threatens four fundamental human needs: control, self-worth, belonging
and a sense of purpose in life. During the next phase, known as the reflective stage,
individuals evaluate the aspects of the situations that exclude them and use coping
mechanisms to restore the needsthat are being threatened. Persistent social isolation is the
subject of the final stage. Long-term social isolation should inevitably lead a person to the
resignation stage, which is marked by emotions of hopelessness, depression and
unworthiness.
Social exclusion can be categorized into three dimensions (Cuesta et al., 2022): identity-
based exclusion, which occurs when individuals differ from established norms and customs
such as gender, race and religion; circumstances-based exclusion, which arises from
conflicts, displacement, poverty or gender violence; and socioeconomic conditions-based
exclusion, where low educational attainment, unemployment or pover ty limit access to
benefits such as employment, loans, insurance or political rights. On top of that, the labor
market, economic resources, social participation, education, health care, social welfare
institutions and civic and human rights contribute to social exclusion (Pohlan, 2019). Social
exclusion is also significantly influenced by banking, finance and social relations accessibil ity,
as these factors are intimately linked to living standards and happiness (Haluwalia et al.,
2022). According to Bhattacharjee (2022), social exclusion from a socioeconomi c
PAGE 1184 jMENTAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL INCLUSION jVOL. 28 NO. 6 2024
Get this document and AI-powered insights with a free trial of vLex and Vincent AI
Get Started for FreeStart Your Free Trial of vLex and Vincent AI, Your Precision-Engineered Legal Assistant
-
Access comprehensive legal content with no limitations across vLex's unparalleled global legal database
-
Build stronger arguments with verified citations and CERT citator that tracks case history and precedential strength
-
Transform your legal research from hours to minutes with Vincent AI's intelligent search and analysis capabilities
-
Elevate your practice by focusing your expertise where it matters most while Vincent handles the heavy lifting
Start Your Free Trial of vLex and Vincent AI, Your Precision-Engineered Legal Assistant
-
Access comprehensive legal content with no limitations across vLex's unparalleled global legal database
-
Build stronger arguments with verified citations and CERT citator that tracks case history and precedential strength
-
Transform your legal research from hours to minutes with Vincent AI's intelligent search and analysis capabilities
-
Elevate your practice by focusing your expertise where it matters most while Vincent handles the heavy lifting
Start Your Free Trial of vLex and Vincent AI, Your Precision-Engineered Legal Assistant
-
Access comprehensive legal content with no limitations across vLex's unparalleled global legal database
-
Build stronger arguments with verified citations and CERT citator that tracks case history and precedential strength
-
Transform your legal research from hours to minutes with Vincent AI's intelligent search and analysis capabilities
-
Elevate your practice by focusing your expertise where it matters most while Vincent handles the heavy lifting
Start Your Free Trial of vLex and Vincent AI, Your Precision-Engineered Legal Assistant
-
Access comprehensive legal content with no limitations across vLex's unparalleled global legal database
-
Build stronger arguments with verified citations and CERT citator that tracks case history and precedential strength
-
Transform your legal research from hours to minutes with Vincent AI's intelligent search and analysis capabilities
-
Elevate your practice by focusing your expertise where it matters most while Vincent handles the heavy lifting
Start Your Free Trial of vLex and Vincent AI, Your Precision-Engineered Legal Assistant
-
Access comprehensive legal content with no limitations across vLex's unparalleled global legal database
-
Build stronger arguments with verified citations and CERT citator that tracks case history and precedential strength
-
Transform your legal research from hours to minutes with Vincent AI's intelligent search and analysis capabilities
-
Elevate your practice by focusing your expertise where it matters most while Vincent handles the heavy lifting