Exploring the relationship between poverty dimensions and social exclusion in university students

This study aims to examine the correlation between the socioeconomic circumstances of university students and their experiences of social exclusion. A total of 370 undergraduate students at a Turkish university participated in this cross-sectional study. The data were collected using the Multidimensional Poverty Assessment Scale for University Students, the Social Exclusion Scale for Adolescents, and the socio-demographic characteristics data form. The data were analyzed using several statistical tests, including the independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Pearson regression coefficient, and multiple linear regression analysis. The multidimensional poverty and social exclusion levels of the students were found to be at a medium level. The poverty levels of students who perceived their income levels as good, who were foreigners, who had a large family structure, and who had siblings were higher. Significant differences were found between the multidimensional poverty and social exclusion scores of the students and the faculties they studied. It was observed that students have different experiences of poverty in different areas such as financial opportunities, education, international opportunities, physical opportunities, health, sociocultural life, self-expression, and communication. To deal with this situation more effectively, it is recommended that universities develop comprehensive support strategies for students at risk of poverty and organize activities to strengthen solidarity and social ties among students.