Assessing the causes and effects of social exclusion: The case of pot makers in Yem Special Woreda in Sothern Nation, Nationalities and Peoples Regional State in Ethiopia

This study was conducted to assess the causes and effects of social exclusion of ‘Pot Makers’ in Yem Special Woreda in Southern Nation Nationalities and Peoples Regional State in Ethiopia. Cross sectional survey research design was used to conduct the research because it would help the researcher to investigate the causes and effects of social exclusion in the case of ‘pot makers’ in Yem Special Woread. In this study, both secondary and primary data were employed. Due to the nature of the study, non-probability sampling method and purposive sampling techniques were used accordingly. The data were collected through questionnaire and interview from some purposively identified members of ‘pot makers’ and non-pot makers. As far as the causes of social exclusion is concerned, the respondents and interviewees have suggested that the norms, belief and the way of life that defines the pot makers and the roles they undertake in the society have been viewed as a crucial factors. Concerning the effects of social exclusion, ‘pot makers’ in the study area have been facing several consequences. Due to social exclusion, pot makers have been facing problems such as limited access to social services such as education and health services, low self-esteem, server poverty, lack of genuine interaction with the rest of peoples of the study area, and low level of motivation to enhance their level of wellbeing. Professionals, academicians, the policy makers, and the public at large should not remain silent and let social injustice to remain unabated. Besides, values, norms and practices that resonates social exclusion should also be redefined in the study area through creating and enhancing awareness of both the ‘pot makers’ and non-pot makers. Key words: Social exclusion, discrimination, poverty, prejudice, marginalization, pot makers, functional differentiation.