Based on a review of the literature in social studies done within a doctorate program, this article examines the notion of exclusion. Related to poverty and social inequalities in the first part, the author then goes on to present various angles of analysis found in the literature published in Quebec and in France, and summarizes the main comprehension models developed therefrom. In the final part, the author draws the reader’s attention to some of the consequences exclusion may have on an individual, and suggests that collective actions by people directly concerned by such a phenomena may be their interesting option among the solutions available to them.