unwantedness
Unwantedness is the state or quality of being not desired, rejected, or excluded by others or by social conditions. It is a relational notion that depends on the desires, expectations, and power dynamics of individuals and groups. The term can describe experiences of people—whether within families, workplaces, or communities—as well as objects, identities, or states of affairs that are not valued or sought after.
In interpersonal settings, unwantedness arises when someone is neglected, dismissed, or ostracized, producing feelings of rejection,
The concept also appears in non-human contexts, such as consumer or production environments, where products or
Assessment of unwantedness often relies on subjective reports of belonging, acceptance, and inclusion, complemented by qualitative
Policy and practice aim to reduce unwantedness through inclusive design, anti-discrimination measures, social support networks, and