1. What Is ‘Social Exclusion’ and How Does It Affect Young People During Their Transitions Towards to Adulthood?

Abstract

The focus of this research is concerned with the effects of social exclusion on the transition from youth to adulthood. This has been area of growing concern throughout Britain today particularly in light of recent political changes. This study is necessary in order to identify key themes in relation to social exclusion and the role of professionals and the government in terms of minimising the impact of social exclusion.
This qualitative inquiry sets out to expose a range of philosophical, political and professional ideologies in line with two key questions which are highlighted from the very outset. The findings from this research provide evidence that the role of the professional can be both a mechanism through which youth professionals aim to ‘undo’ social exclusion (due to pre-determined social factors such as poverty) and also an agent who works against the system or ‘the odds’ in order to make sure that young people are included in mainstream society as much as possible.
The main conclusion that is drawn from this study is concerned with an imperative need for youth professionals and the government to gain a more ‘holistic’ understanding of young people which extends beyond an emphasis on government policies as a response to the circumstances facing socially excluded young people in Britain and elsewhere; one which interrogates exclusion processes and institutional practices rather than merely addressing the symptoms of disadvantage.

Introduction

A considerable amount of research has been carried out over recent decades in relation to the nature of social exclusion and young people both on national and international scale. Questions such as: How competent are young people in making responsible decisions? When does youth end and adulthood begin? Are youth undervalued as a subgroup in society? are both topical and of historic interest to sociologists, youth professionals and government organisations in the UK.
Throughout the

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