The Psychosocial Manifestation of the Phenomenon of Social Exclusion of Parents who Care for Children with Disabilities

Social exclusion affects millions of people facing precarious living and working conditions. Over time, the phenomenon has evolved both in its characteristics and in its scientific assessment across various research fields. This study examines the social exclusion of parents raising children with disabilities, highlighting specific aspects that can inform solutions for their social inclusion. The research explores the concept of social exclusion in the context of disability, along with individual and collective attitudes toward disadvantaged groups, contributing to both public discourse and scientific inquiry. It seeks to answer key questions: Where do families of children with disabilities stand in the hierarchy of human values, within societal structures, and in the social protection system? The analysis of existing studies reveals two main findings: (1) families of children with disabilities are rarely examined as a distinct socially disadvantaged group, and (2) research tends to focus primarily on the needs of the child rather than the family as a whole. Preliminary conclusions indicate that having a child with disabilities compels the family to balance change and stability through adaptability, affecting its functionality and increasing the risk of social exclusion.