Which concept refers to being pushed to the edges of society through poverty, exclusion, or disadvantage?

• A. Normalization of deviance
• B. Prosecutorial discretion
• C. Social marginality
• D. Civil disobedience

Answer: (C)

Social marginality captures the condition of individuals or groups pushed to the edges of society because of poverty, exclusion, or disadvantage. It highlights how social and economic processes—like limited access to housing, education, and healthcare, along with stigma and reduced political voice—systematically place people on the margins. This makes it the best fit for describing being pushed to the edges due to hardship.

Normalization of deviance describes how deviant behavior becomes viewed as normal within a group, not the state of being marginalized. Prosecutorial discretion concerns decisions by prosecutors about charging and pursuing cases, a legal process concept rather than a social position. Civil disobedience involves deliberately breaking laws for political protest, which is a tactic rather than a description of social placement. Thus, social marginality best fits the scenario.