EN
In this paper the author indicates the current contexts and mechanisms of social exclusion. The presented analysis is carried out from the critical perspective. The mechanisms of social exclusion have been identified as those of neo-liberal/market character. These are the processes, such as: privatisation, decentralisation, deregulation, competition as well as commodification of social relations. The author discusses the number of incorrect assumptions of neoliberalism and social order based on those assumptions. The conclusion is that the application of those assumptions in practice of social life has caused the emergence of many social problems, namely social inequality, rising unemployment, impoverishment of many social groups, etc. The author also points out that the assumptions underlying the policy being labelled as the Third Way or the concept of inclusive and sustainable development also are pro-market in their character. This indicates that the economic growth is still considered as the main indicator of social development. The author presents the opinion that the social policy conducted in this manner leads to the occurrence of the people’s attitudes of despair and the increase in the feeling of uncertainty that are experienced at both, the individual (especially by people suffering from social exclusion) as well as the social levels. The paper ends up with the question whether and to what extent the generation of young people in Poland is affected by the mechanisms of social exclusion.