Taking a holistic and multidisciplinary approach this book identifies and analyzes the factors which promote or discourage social inclusion of young people in today's society. It critically examines the discriminatory attitudes towards young people, and focuses on the 'problem' of adults rather than the 'problem' of young people themselves.
The authors ask searching questions about society's capacity and willingness to be more socially inclusive of young people in terms of policy and practice, and explore the extent to which young people have access to status, rights and responsibilities as young adults. Challenging existing theory the book covers issues including: citizenship, education, rights, youth transactions, drug use, homelessness, teenage pregnancy and unemployment.
Incorporating the views and experiences of young people themselves, the book highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the academic contribution and suggests ways forward for a more inclusive society.
Section One: Introduction Section Two: Overarching Themes 1. An Overview of Policy and Practice on Young People and Social Inclusion 2. Youth Transitions 3. Young People's Rights 4. Young People and Citizenship Section Three: Specific Issues 5. Risk, Social Change, and the Development of Inclusionary Strategies for Young Homeless People 6. Young People and Substance Misuse 7. Young Asylum Seekers and Refugees in the UK 8. Young Carers 9. Youth Justice 10. Youth Unemployment, Welfare Benefits and Poverty 11. 'Inclusive Education' is not 'Education for Social Inclusion' Section Four: Conclusions
