On the margins of inclusion: Changing labour markets and social exclusion in London

Description

This book starts from the premise that 'the nature of contemporary work and exclusion from secure paid employment is central to understanding the experience of social exclusion'. On the margins of inclusion offers a fascinating account of how different groups of economically marginal people have adapted to and negotiate the offerings of a 'post industrial' labour market and a welfare system geared towards reintegrating them into formal employment. Through close ethnographic study of people living on a South London housing estate the book highlights collective strategies and responses to labour market and welfare changes and considers how these responses can, in themselves, contribute to patterns of community-based exclusion. It explores the notion of 'social exclusion' from the perspective of those deemed to be 'socially excluded' and provides a compelling and vivid portrait of lives at the insecure, low-paid end of the labour market. The ethnography is used to illuminate key issues in sociology and social policy and to tackle debates and controversies that are central to current discussions on the appropriate role and function of state welfare. A thorough discussion of current policies to address social exclusion and area regeneration is woven into the fieldwork analysis. On the margins of inclusion is stimulating reading for researchers, academics and higher-level students in sociology and social policy, and will also be of interest to policy makers in the field.

David Smith's research interests include the evolution of the social exclusion concept, the social consequences of industrial and occupational change, welfare reform and comparative social policy. His research for On the margins of inclusion was conducted while at the Department of Social and Political Science, Royal Holloway College, University of London, UK.

"In the plethora of books and reports dealing with social exclusion/inclusion this book stands out. The sensitive and intelligent ethnography allows the outer London working class to speak for themselves and shows how social and economic change intersects with their lives. For anyone who wants to understand how people live in a post-industrial global city, this book is a must read." David Byrne, Department of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Durham