Exclusionary

Exclusionary describes something that deliberately or unintentionally prevents, restricts, or deprives individuals or groups of access, rights, opportunities, or participation, based on certain characteristics or affiliations. This can manifest in social, political, economic, or cultural spheres, and often results in marginalization and inequality. It can be intentional or unintentional, arising from biases, prejudices, or systemic structures that favor some groups over others, creating barriers and limitations that disadvantage those excluded.

Exclusionary meaning with examples

• The homeowner's association adopted an exclusionary covenant, effectively barring minority families from purchasing homes in the neighborhood. This discriminatory practice perpetuated segregation and limited access to resources, leaving lasting impacts on the community's demographics and opportunities. It showcased the subtle ways prejudices can be built into societal structures. This demonstrated historical patterns.
• The exclusive social club's admission policies, with their high membership fees and stringent requirements, were found to be exclusionary, effectively preventing lower-income individuals from participating. It further limited social mobility for certain groups, perpetuating elitism. The high barrier of entry also denied access to the network. The focus was only on the already rich.
• The new software's terms of service were criticized for being exclusionary, as they required advanced technological knowledge and expensive hardware, effectively barring many low-income users from accessing essential online services. This digital divide was a major concern. It emphasized who was, and was not, able to participate in the future. This highlighted lack of access.
• The political party's platform, emphasizing policies favoring a specific religious demographic and neglecting the needs of other groups, was deemed exclusionary by many. These policies alienated many, thus limiting their access to resources, representation, and influence in government, creating divides. It led to less participation in future elections, limiting opportunities.