The Phenomenon of Social Exclusion in the Philosophy of Michel Foucault

Abstract

The relevance of the study is determined by the profound transformations of modern societies. Here, mechanisms of power are increasingly taking on indirect and decentralized forms, which Foucauldian analytics helps to identify. The purpose of the study is to reveal the specifics of Foucault's approach to social exclusion and to outline its conceptual boundaries. The research methodology involves the use of a range of methods, among which the historical-philosophical method combined with M. Foucault's genealogical and archaeological approaches play a key role. In addition, poststructuralist reflection is applied to provide a critical understanding of its conceptual limitations. The results of the study analyze the sociocultural prerequisites and context of the formation of Foucault's approach to social exclusion and outline the uniqueness of M. Foucault’s views on social exclusion. Against this background, it is shown that deviation is not a random anomaly, but a systemic result of the functioning of discursive practices. It is established that the structuring and normalization of social space are carried out through mechanisms of classification and hierarchization, which determine the boundaries of the “norm,” automatically producing the marginalization of the “Other.” At the same time, marginalized groups are interpreted not simply as passive objects of injustice, but as active carriers of knowledge alternative to the dominant discourse. It is emphasized that the restoration of social justice and the realization of individual freedom is possible in the process of deconstructing the disciplinary mechanisms of the dominant discourse, which frees up space for the actualization of the voice of the “Other.” The conclusions show that identifying latent forms of exclusion is an important prerequisite for overcoming it. This makes Foucault’s approach a powerful tool for deconstructing social exclusion as a historically fluid and power-driven practice. At the same time, it is noted that Foucauldian analytics carries the risk of epistemic reduction, in which the voice of marginalized groups is integrated into dominant discourses on the terms of power itself. This leads to the preservation of the status of excluded subjects as objects of external interpretation, which highlights the need to search for new methodological strategies capable of ensuring their role as full-fledged carriers of their own authentic expression.