A Sociological Study of the Feeling of Social Exclusion among Citizens of Zahedan

Introduction
Social exclusion has emerged as a key analytical concept in contemporary sociological analysis for understanding new forms of inequality, deprivation, and limited participation in modern societies. Unlike traditional approaches that mainly explain disadvantage through economic poverty, the concept of social exclusion provides a broader analytical framework by emphasizing the multidimensional processes through which individuals or groups may experience restricted access to resources, social opportunities, institutional support, and meaningful participation in collective life. Accordingly, social exclusion is not merely a static condition of deprivation but a dynamic and relational process shaped by social structures, power relations, institutional mechanisms, and symbolic boundaries.
The significance of examining social exclusion increases in multicultural and heterogeneous societies where differences based on ethnicity, religion, culture, and social status may influence individuals’ experiences of belonging, recognition, and participation. In such contexts, perceived exclusion can weaken social cohesion, reduce interpersonal and institutional trust, reinforce marginalization feelings, and challenge sustainable social development.
Zahedan, due to its distinctive ethnic, religious, and cultural composition, represents a critical social setting for investigating the mechanisms associated with social exclusion. Understanding how citizens perceive exclusion and identifying its underlying determinants can provide valuable insights for improving social integration and strengthening inclusive development policies.
The study aims to provide a sociological investigation of the feeling of social exclusion among Zahedan’s citizens and to identify the key factors affecting this phenomenon. The theoretical framework was developed through an integrated approach drawing upon the perspectives of Max Weber, Frank Parkin, Hilary Silver, Amartya Sen, Michel Foucault, and Pierre Bourdieu. Within this framework, social exclusion was conceptualized as the outcome of interactions among social closure, unequal power relations, capability deprivation, and unequal access to social resources. Based on this approach, the study examined the effects of social closure, social powerlessness, perceived social discrimination, capability poverty, and subjective socioeconomic status on citizens’ feelings of social exclusion.
Methodology
This research was applied in terms of purpose and employed a descriptive–analytical design using a quantitative survey approach. The statistical population included Zahedan’s residents, with the individual citizen considered as the unit of analysis.
The sample size was calculated using Cochran’s formula, and 400 respondents were selected through a multi-stage cluster sampling procedure. This sampling strategy was adopted to ensure the appropriate coverage of different urban areas and social groups.
Data were collected utilizing a structured questionnaire developed based on established theoretical foundations and previous empirical studies. The dependent variable, feeling of social exclusion, was measured across multiple dimensions, including exclusion from material resources, social relationships, civic participation, access to basic services, and neighborhood interactions. The main independent variables included social closure, social powerlessness, perceived discrimination, capability poverty, and subjective socioeconomic status.
The validity of the questionnaire was assessed through expert evaluation and face validity procedures. The reliability of the measurement scales was examined using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, with all major variables obtaining values above 0/70, indicating satisfactory internal consistency. Data analysis was conducted employing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, group comparison tests, and multiple regression analysis.
Findings
The descriptive findings indicated that the mean score of perceived social exclusion among Zahedan’s citizens was 46/8 within the possible range of 18 to 90. This result suggests that the overall level of social exclusion among respondents was within a low-to-moderate range. However, further analyses demonstrated that different social and structural factors play significant roles in explaining variations in citizens’ experiences of exclusion.
The results of correlation analysis showed a significant positive association between social powerlessness and the feeling of social exclusion. In other words, individuals who perceived themselves as having limited influence over social conditions and decision-making processes reported a higher level of exclusion.
Furthermore, social closure demonstrated a significant relationship with perceived social exclusion. This finding indicates that limitations in access to opportunities, resources, and social advancement pathways may contribute to the development of exclusionary experiences among citizens.
Capability poverty was also significantly associated with social exclusion, supporting the argument that deprivation should not be reduced solely to economic limitations. Rather, restricted capabilities, limited choices, and insufficient opportunities for achieving desired life outcomes are imperative dimensions contributing to feelings of exclusion.
In contrast, perceived social discrimination and subjective socioeconomic status did not indicate significant direct effects on social exclusion in the final analytical model.
The results of multiple regression analysis revealed that social closure (β = 0/29), social powerlessness (β = 0/23), and capability poverty (β = 0/04) were significant predictors of social exclusion. Among these variables, social closure had the strongest explanatory contribution. Overall, the regression model explained approximately 17% of the variance in citizens’ feelings of social exclusion.
The analysis of demographic variables exhibited no statistically significant differences in perceived social exclusion based on gender and religion. However, educational level was significantly associated with differences in the experience of social exclusion, highlighting the importance of educational resources in shaping individuals’ opportunities and perceptions of social participation.
Conclusion
The findings demonstrate that the feeling of social exclusion among citizens of Zahedan is mainly influenced by structural and relational factors rather than merely individual characteristics. Social closure, social powerlessness, and capability poverty function as interconnected mechanisms that can restrict individuals’ participation opportunities and contribute to the reproduction of social disadvantage.
From a theoretical perspective, the findings support approaches that view exclusion as a consequence of unequal access to resources, power, and capabilities. The results are particularly consistent with perspectives emphasizing structural barriers, inequitable capital distribution, and limitations in individuals’ real opportunities for social participation.
Therefore, reducing social exclusion requires multidimensional interventions that extend beyond economic support. It is essential to adopt policies that promote social empowerment, broaden equal opportunities, enhance access to resources, and foster citizen participation in social decision-making processes.
Given the multicultural context of Zahedan, reinforcing inclusive social policies, reducing symbolic and structural boundaries, promoting intergroup interaction, and strengthening social cohesion can contribute to preventing the reproduction of exclusion. Moving toward a more inclusive social framework in which diverse social groups have equal opportunities for recognition, participation, and advancement is a necessary condition for achieving sustainable and balanced social development.