exclusionary

Exclusionary is an adjective used to describe policies, practices, or outlooks that result in the exclusion of people or groups from access, participation, or benefits. It can refer to formal rules, institutional procedures, or informal social norms that limit who may reside in a neighborhood, enroll in a program, be hired for a job, receive services, or join a group or organization.

Common contexts include exclusionary zoning in urban planning, which uses land-use rules to restrict housing supply and can disproportionately affect lower-income and minority residents; exclusionary admissions policies in education that favor certain characteristics; and exclusionary hiring practices that screen out applicants based on discriminatory criteria. In immigration and refugee policy, exclusionary measures restrict entry or protection for specific populations. In law, the term appears in the exclusionary rule, which excludes evidence obtained in violation of constitutional rights. In religion or clubs, exclusionary rules determine who is eligible for membership.

The term often implies intentional design, but it can also reflect unintended biases embedded in systems or cultural norms. Exclusionary practices may be challenged as discriminatory or unconstitutional under anti-discrimination laws and human-rights standards, though legal thresholds for justification vary by jurisdiction. The effects of exclusionary policies typically include reduced access to housing, education, employment, healthcare, and civic participation, contributing to social stratification and diminished inclusion.

See also: inclusion, inclusive, discrimination, exclusion, exclusionary zoning, exclusionary rule, civil rights.