Zygmunt Bauman's concept of "wasted lives" refers to the social phenomenon where certain groups of people, often marginalized and excluded, are rendered "superfluous" or disposable by modern societies and their systems. These individuals, such as migrants, refugees, and the unemployed, are seen as obstacles to progress or burdens on society, rather than as valuable members of it. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• Modernity and its Exclusions:

  Bauman argues that the drive for progress and order in modern societies inevitably leads to the production of "human waste" or "wasted lives". 
• Categorization as Waste:

  These individuals are often categorized and treated as "waste," relegated to the margins of society, such as refugee camps, asylum systems, or urban ghettos. 
• Globalization and Mobility:

  Bauman highlights how globalization and its associated border politics contribute to this phenomenon by creating exclusionary practices and discourses around migration, often framing migrants as threats. 
• Consequences of Being "Wasted":

  This categorization leads to discrimination, xenophobia, and a lack of social and economic opportunities for those deemed "wasted". 
• Challenging the Narrative:

  While Bauman's analysis highlights the systemic nature of this issue, he also acknowledges the agency of individuals to resist and challenge these categorizations, even within the structures that seek to marginalize them. 

In essence, Bauman's concept of "wasted lives" critiques the dark side of modernity, exposing how the pursuit of progress can lead to the social and economic exclusion of vulnerable populations, effectively rendering them as "waste" in the eyes of society.