udstødte

Udstødte is a Danish term meaning "outcasts" or "the socially excluded." It is used to describe individuals or groups who are marginalized or rejected by mainstream society, often experiencing poverty, restricted access to education or employment, precarious housing, or limited participation in social life. The label can apply to people facing chronic exclusion due to factors such as unemployment, homelessness, addiction, disability, ethnic or religious minority status, or a criminal record, among others. It appears in public debate, media, and policy discussions about social inclusion and welfare.

Etymology: udstødte derives from the verb udstøde, meaning to cast out or reject; the form with -te marks its adjectival or substantive use.

In sociological and policy contexts, udstødte describes individuals or groups at risk of persistent exclusion, emphasizing both structural factors and personal barriers. Factors commonly discussed include poverty, discrimination, gaps in education or healthcare, and social stigma. Because the term can carry negative connotations, many policymakers and researchers prefer broader or less stigmatizing expressions such as socialt udsatte (socially vulnerable) or marginaliserede (m marginalized). Nevertheless, udstødte remains widespread in reports and public discourse.

Policy responses aim to reduce exclusion through housing and homelessness support, education and job training, mental health and addiction services, and anti-discrimination measures. Debates focus on the balance between individual responsibility and structural reform, the effectiveness of welfare programs, and the ethics of stigmatizing language in policy.

Related topics include social exclusion, stigma, the welfare state, and integration policies.