Smith, D. M. (2005). On the margins of inclusion: changing labour markets and social exclusion in London. Bristol, Policy Press.
This book explores the varied ways that individuals and communities adapt to and resist changing labour markets and social policies via the case study of a largely white, working-class housing estate in outer south London. It examines the sources of community-based social exclusion and the wider implications for the life chances and working lives of economically marginal individuals. The research methods are qualitative and biographical, including a combination of in-depth unstructured and semi-structured interviews, with the latter focusing on work history, experience of and attitudes towards employment training schemes, perceptions of labour market opportunities, and social sources of support and information relating to work. The author reflexively notes that his own experience growing up on a housing estate in south London was an inspiration for his interest in the topic. He carefully considers ethical dilemmas of researching marginalised people, particularly those who are engaged in illegal activities within the local informal economy. The book is divided into nine chapters, including the following topics: an introduction to the informal economy and social-structural change; globalisation and social exclusion; poverty and social exclusion: theory and policy; life and labour on the St. Helier estate between 1930 and 2000; labour market opportunities and welfare-to-work; and lone-parent households; informal opportunities and social divisions; labour markets, exclusion and social capital; and a conclusion 'on the margins of inclusion'.