Social exclusion: in what sense a planning problem?

Abstract

This paper assesses the significance of social exclusion for planning. It argues that the spatial dimensions of exclusion are often neglected in the focus on individuals and social groups. Five dimensions of exclusion relevant to planning are identified, including unemployment and access to work; low income and participation in consumption activities; the quality of life and access to non-market services; neighbourhood exclusionary processes, and participation in local decision making. Planning has a role to play in each, within a framework of consistent regional and national economic and social policies. A National Spatial Planning Framework would be valuable in several respects.