Against a background of globalization, risk and cultural pluralism, the problem of social exclusion and its possible remedies have become a major focus for political and social analysis and policy making. This collection of original essays by leading social thinkers and analysts offers a comprehensive exploration of the topic and considers various practical agenda. Contributors include Zygmunt Bauman, Bernard Crick, John Gray, Ruth Lister, Raymond Plant, Richard Sennett and Charles Taylor.