This book addresses many of the key problems facing contemporary societies. The social significance attached to various forms of difference, most notably race and ethnicity has been seen as resulting in the exclusion of some groups from various their rights as citizens. This, in turn, is viewed as presenting a series of barriers to the creation of more inclusive societies. These arguments are explored in the context in a variety of substantive contexts, for example, immigration and the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers, housing and segregation, education, labour markets, and policing and urban conflict.

This lively and highly readable account deals with very difficult theoretical and policy issues without resort to unnecessary jargon. It is essential reading for undergraduate students in sociology, social policy, urban geography, law and political science, and is also of value to the general reader and researcher.