The article presents problem of social difference and the related mechanisms of exclusion. The paper shows the process how the difference needed in the world is born inequality, discrimination, human suffering, often as unwanted and unintended consequences of group processes. The factor differentiating way to experience the social difference and forms of engagement in reality, is the human identity. The text presents the arguments in favor of the thesis that the difference does not necessarily lead to inequality, and a key role in this process is the identity of the man, with his basic need of recognition. Educational activities are considered an important factor in institutional support in this process. Also shows the process of individualization (the problem of individualism) in the social world as an essential factor in the offending unfavorable balance between an inclusion and social exclusion.

The text is an attempt to use of Richard Borowicz research as inspiration. The aim is to broaden the perspective of research on the problem of social selection in the education system by adding a psychosocial aspect. The article contains a theoretical reference in order to allow for an explanation of the effectiveness of the mechanism of auto-selection and placement of it in the social practices of everyday life. Interactional perspective makes the problem of social inequalities present in the experience and consciousness of man. On the other hand individualistic tendencies in society are the conditions under which self-selection mechanism can both be forced out from public awareness, as well as subject to deregulation. The latter phenomenon may lead to equal opportunities.

A person’s individuality as the source of coping with uncertainty and risk. Reflection of Jan Szczepański’s individuality conception in connection with current mindfulness techniques

The paper attempts to answer the question: how could human individuality be a resource making it possible to cope with the experience of feeling uncertainty and risk? Jan Szczepański’s idea of individuality defines the structure and functions of that dimension of the human condition. It tries to explain the sense of man’s inner world and their reflexivity in struggling with the negative consequences due to the social organisation of collective life. An analytic view of individuality included in this concept allows for revealing the emergency nature of personal identity affected by dialogue between the inner world and the internalised outside world. The discussed concept might increase the attempt to synthesise it with the vision of mindfulness. The effect of it is a unique underlining role of loneliness in the individual process of human development and captures the moral character of individuality (hipo-egoic phenomena).