Children, young people and social inclusion : participation for what?

Social inclusion and participation have become policy mantras in the UK and Europe. As these concepts are being translated into policies and practice, it is a critical time to examine - and challenge - their interpretation, implementation and impacts. This book asks how far and in what way social inclusion policies are meeting the needs and rights of children and young people. Leading authors write from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, including social policy, education, geography and sociology. The book: critically examines the concepts of participation and social inclusion and their links with children and childhoods; considers the geography of social inclusion and exclusion; explores young people's own conceptualisations of social inclusion and exclusion; and examines how these concepts have been expressed in policy at various levels. The book concludes with an agenda for progressing participation and social inclusion, both for and with children and young people. "Children, Young People And Social Inclusion" will be of interest to academics, students and policy makers, as well as to a wide range of practitioners, including teachers, youth workers, participation workers and those working in interagency settings