Geographies of welfare and social exclusion

In this series of reports I shall focus on the nature of social exclusion and polarization. Given my background and expertise, much of what I do will be focused on anglophone, western societies. This review will attempt to distinguish between social polarization, segregation and exclusion. In the process it will make reference to contemporary debates about class, the concept of an underclass and the different explanatory frameworks advanced for social polarization. Future reports will emphasize the multifaceted nature of exclusion and polarization, consequences for the character of public space and policy responses in terms of welfare provision.