Patterns of social exclusion in Lithuania

The author presents an analysis of social exclusion patterns in Lithuania. The paper consists of the following parts: the concept of social exclusion, the reasons for and the structure of social exclusion, the indicators of social exclusion and an analysis of empirical research of two groups according to scientific literature related to those socially excluded – unemployed and disabled. The purpose of the paper is to investigate the patterns of social exclusion in Lithuania. The goals were to analyse the concept of social exclusion, discuss indicators of social exclusion and to conduct an empirical research of the reasons and structure of social exclusion, indicators of social exclusion. The scientific problem of this paper is the social, economical and political factors influencing social exclusion of individuals or groups. The academic discussion about social exclusion in the European Union started only in late 90s. The concept of social exclusion includes the concept of poverty, marginalisation, diminished possibilities of individuals to participate in the social, political and economical life of society