The dynamics of social exclusion in Europe: Comparing Austria, Germany, Greece, Portugal and the UK

Book abstract:

Even though the question of social exclusion has always been a high priority for decision-makers in the European Union (EU), a recent statistic suggests that there is still some sixty million people living below the poverty line in Europe. This book provides a comparative study which attempts to understand the nature of social exclusion in five major participating countries. It deals with four 'risk' categories in particular: young adults, single parents, the sick and disabled, and the retired.

The book comprises of eight chapters from different contributors. After chapters one and two, respectively, attempt to put the question of making a 'dynamic analysis' into perspective, and negotiate the risks of multidimensional disadvantage during the four 'life stages' described above, chapter three turns to the major features and dynamics of income poverty and deprivation in Austria. Chapter four looks at the process of social exclusion in Germany, in terms of east-west tensions; chapter five explores the issues in the context of Greece, and chapter six addresses the particular case of Portugal. In chapter seven, there is an interrogation of the problems of poverty and deprivation in the UK, and chapter eight, by way of conclusion, outlines ways of resolving the issues.

The book is intended for policy makers throughout Europe, as well as academics, students, and those concerned with the specific field of social exclusion.