Noting that disadvantage stems not only from individual characteristics but also from social structures and inequalities, Prof. Dr. Abdullah Karatay emphasized that society must change its perspective on the issue.
Prof. Dr. Karatay stated, “The ideal approach is to provide universal public services that ensure a minimum standard of living for everyone, without categorizing people into ‘vulnerable’ and ‘non-vulnerable’ groups.”
Prof. Dr. Abdullah Karatay, a faculty member in the Department of Social Work at Üsküdar University, discussed the issue of social disadvantage.
“The existence of ‘disadvantaged’ individuals and groups in society is actually dependent on the existence of ‘advantaged’ individuals and groups,” said Karatay, adding:
“Disadvantage can be understood at least on two levels. The first is disadvantage arising from reasons inherent to human nature. Disability, certain mental or physical illnesses can be cited as examples of this. The second category consists of disadvantages stemming from the nature of societies, unequal policies, and unjust structures. Women who experience violence, children placed in institutional care due to poverty, migrants, and impoverished groups can be categorized under this umbrella.”
Highlighting that disadvantage is not merely an individual but a social phenomenon, Prof. Dr. Karatay states, “Therefore, disadvantage is not solely about the individual; it also concerns social groups. For example, there are people who experience disadvantage as a group, such as Syrian migrants or the Romani community. For this reason, the concept of ‘disadvantaged groups’ may be more inclusive and explanatory than focusing on individuals.”
Noting that one of the most significant issues faced by disadvantaged groups is prejudice and social exclusion, Prof. Dr. Karatay said, “Individuals exposed to economic, social, and cultural exclusion often perceive their situation as abnormal and attribute it to their own failures when they realize it. This leads to feelings of guilt, anger, and worthlessness. “In other words, while disadvantage may appear to be an economic and social issue, it primarily causes emotional distress within the individual. This narrative, which has become a dominant culture, will make the experience of being disadvantaged even more unbearable,” he said.
Noting that the needs of children, the elderly, people with disabilities, women, refugees, and individuals experiencing economic deprivation differ from one another, Prof. Dr. Karatay stated, “While the needs of groups that have become disadvantaged due to social reasons are primarily economic; the needs of individuals who have become disadvantaged due to reasons stemming from human nature, such as old age or disability, are primarily care and protection services. However, when someone is both disabled and impoverished, their needs can become more complex and multifaceted. The primary burden on the public sector stems from this group.”
Prof. Dr. Karatay, noting that families, educational institutions, and the media have important responsibilities in raising social awareness, said, “Social awareness essentially involves spreading the understanding that the disadvantaged status of individuals and groups is independent of their own constitution and circumstances; ensuring people do not perceive their disadvantaged circumstances as a result of personal choices, and avoiding the use of exclusionary or stigmatizing language toward them is a shared responsibility for all of us. Since dominant discourses in society are highly influential in fostering discrimination, public awareness campaigns in the media and among the public will also be highly effective in reducing judgmental and exclusionary language.”
Prof. Dr. Karatay, noting that a culture of empathy strengthens social solidarity in society, said, “A culture of empathy does not eliminate disadvantage; however, a reduction in the language directed at these groups and a better understanding of them can facilitate greater connection with them and an increase in solidarity. “Empathy can contribute to the development of a culture based on understanding and tolerance not only in conditions of disadvantage but in all human relationships,” he said.
Noting that viewing disadvantaged individuals solely as “recipients of aid” leads to serious problems, Prof. Dr. Karatay continued:
“In society, discursive categories like ‘recipients of aid’ actually signal the existence of exclusionary practices. Individuals who are aware that they are coded as needing aid do not boast about it; on the contrary, they feel ashamed and try to hide this situation even from their closest ones. The recipient is often the weaker and excluded party in the face of the donor or institution. An unequal relationship exists between them. Giving aid is a form of giving that expects a return, as in the ancient ‘gift’ culture. After receiving aid, the recipient feels more dependent and under pressure to act in the desired direction. The quality of being an independent, self-sufficient individual has been significantly compromised.”
Prof. Dr. Karatay emphasized that, for society to develop a more inclusive approach toward vulnerable groups, rights-based policies must be strengthened rather than relying on social assistance, and concluded his remarks as follows:
“The ideal is to provide universal public services that ensure a minimum standard of living for ‘everyone’ without dividing people into ‘vulnerable’ and ‘non-vulnerable’ groups. This requires providing accessible educational opportunities tailored to everyone’s abilities, accessible health services for prevention and treatment, transportation options, and recreational spaces for everyone. If public services are removed from the realm of commodities and provided by the public sector under inclusive conditions, many of the social problems encountered under current conditions would not exist.”
