Social and ‘deep’ exclusion were defined by analysing the literature. A matrix of domains and topic areas, called the ‘British Social Exclusion Matrix’, was then constructed which looked at four life stages:

The matrix identified ten social dimensions of potential importance in social exclusion:

The problems and omissions of existing data sources were critiqued, and the best data sources discussed. Administrative data, as opposed to survey data, was considered to be a possible source for social exclusion data.

The Social Exclusion Unit was set up by the Government to provide a cross-departmental approach to the complex problems of socially excluded groups.

This research was commissioned to examine ways to analyse the factors that contribute to social exclusion, particularly ‘deep’ exclusion or multiple disadvantage.

A review of literature and policy was carried out, a social exclusion matrix was constructed, and a variety of data sets were identified and assessed.

Various detailed recommendations were made regarding the best ways to collect and analyse information on social exclusion.

Social Exclusion Task Force, Cabinet Office
Phone: +44 20 7276 1234
setaskforce@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk

//

01/01/2007

Ruth Levitas, Christina Pantazis, Eldin Fahmy, David Gordon, Eva Lloyd and Demi Patsios from the Department of Sociology and School for Social Policy at the Townsend Centre for the International Study of Poverty and the Bristol Institute for Public Affairs at the University of Bristol.

research

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration

Integration of social groups