Compare and contrast two European countries Essay

Compare and contrast two European countries - Essay Example Social exclusion and marginalization have been intensified by the several factors, which includes the following. The increasing disparities in educational and skill levels have led to several people staying out of the labor market because judgment is based on qualification. Long-term unemployment poses the individuals to the risk of segregation in the society. They may be denied access to opportunities due to their economic status. Male joblessness is another rising issue. This is brought about by the emphasis placed on gender equality. In the effort to combat the past inequalities, much has been done on the women and girl child part hence putting the male species at stake. (Atherton, 2003, p.81) Since more and more women are getting educated and are given first priority in the job sector men are at the risk of losing jobs. Another factor is feminization of an increasingly casualised work force. The widening gaps in income levels are creating bigger possibilities of social exclusion. The increasing gaps in income levels are building on social gaps between the rich and the poor. The rich gets richer and the poor is getting poorer. This makes it difficult for the poor to cope with the fast moving life. People who cannot fit in the high-class life are locked out to belong to a rather low class. (Atherton, 2003, p.85) Deteriorating health and life expectancies for the poor society members is on the increase. The poor cannot access to health services most likely after the superiors deny them them. Poor health leads to short life expectancy. The poor standards of living contribute largely to the rising mortality rates among the poor. The rich has enough income to eat well, have a dignified life, a good health and their life expectancy is higher compared to the life expectancies of the poor members in the society. (Ferguson, 1990, p.24) Social exclusion is at the centre of public discourse in all countries across the European Union. Most researchers and scholars use past data to create comparable indicators of social exclusion. Most of the comparable dynamic information was on a wide range of demographic, social and economic indicators across Europe. Almost half the employed age population is disadvantaged on at least one point in time. Very few people are likely to be sidelined on a large number of social exclusio