Young people on the margins: Australian studies of social exclusion

Drawing upon empirical data from four research projects undertaken in Adelaide, South Australia, we examine the cumulative effects of deprivation on the lives of young people. Utilising a social exclusion framework for analysis we demonstrate the dynamic interplay between the various dimensions of social exclusion. We present the experiences and ‘voices’ of young people and service providers to highlight the acute nature of social marginalisation for many young people today. Further we argue that the Australian Government's neo-liberal and rigid (‘one size fits all’) orientation has resulted in policies and services that do not cater for the depth and breadth of social exclusion experienced by many young people, and exacerbate rather than ameliorate social marginalisation.