Social Exclusion of Minorities: An Investigation of Multi-dimensional Social Disadvantage faced by Pakistani Minorities

Abstract

Minorities, as numerically inferior and culturally distinct groups, are often marginalized and isolated throughout the world. The aim of this research is to understand the nature and extent of social exclusion faced by religious minorities in Pakistan. The objectives of the study are to assess the level of social exclusion among non-Muslim minorities and examine the various factors contributing to social exclusion. Additionally, it investigates the associations between these attributes of social exclusion. The questionnaire includes a series of statements and questions that cover all dimensions of the variable being measured. 220 heads of minority families were selected by employing multistage sampling. Participants were interviewed by experienced interviewers using an interview schedule. The results indicate that the majority of participants (59.1%) perceive that they experience a high level of exclusion, while 26.8% face moderate exclusion, and 14.1% are at a low level of social exclusion. Hypothesis testing examines the level of exclusion faced by different minority groups. The study reveals that the Christian minority experiences a higher level of exclusion compared to other minority groups, such as Hindus and Sikhs, probably because they are more materially deprived. This study demonstrates the positive association between various factors contributing to social exclusion, such as material deprivation, limited access to civil rights, low social participation, and political disengagement.