The book ranges widely over modern social theory, giving detailed treatments of major sources to identify common themes and deficiencies in apparently disparate schools of thought. The object is to lay bare negative assumptions forming methodologies in modern social theory in order to redirect the social sciences towards real problems and the progressive consequences of their solution. Examples are given and, throughout, the continuity of particular and general concerns is demonstrated.

Against a background of globalization, risk and cultural pluralism, the problem of social exclusion and its possible remedies have become a focus for political and social analysis and policy making. This collection of essays offers an exploration of the topic and considers various practical agenda.