Description
Book SynopsisIn UK society, there are cultural norms and assumptions that affect many marginalised groups and this book aims to address and challenge these through the lens of the people who have lived these experiences.
Social Exclusion in the UK presents a range of lived experiences alongside a critical commentary on the impact of social stigma, exclusion and marginalisation on people's lives. This book's chapters are co-authored by people with lived experience and academics and are all underpinned by the Transformative Learning Theory developed by scholar Mezirow. The marginalised experiences discussed in this book include different types of substance users, care leavers, asylum seekers, offenders, HIV positive, those living in poverty or those who identify as transgender.
What makes this book unique is that it gives a voice to those who have been the most affected by inequality - whether it's economic or social and health inequalities. Those affected are the least likely to be involved in shaping and informing responses to it and this lack of involvement risks the further exclusion of those who are already marginalised.
A few of the ways this book aims to challenge this include: legitimising and prioritising lived experience expertise; fostering critical reflection of our own beliefs and assumptions and drawing on lived experience expertise to inform responses and solutions.
Trade Review"At a time of rising poverty, inequality and social injustice, this book nails what needs to be done by listening to the people at the sharp end – in all their diversity. First hand voices supported to speak out highlight the extent of what’s wrong – from prison to child protection, and a vision of what’s needed for us all – from Gypsies to trans people. Read it now!"
-- Peter Beresford OBE * Visiting Professor University of East Anglia and Co-Chair of Shaping Our Lives *
Table of ContentsIntroduction
Understanding social exclusion
Understanding social stigma
Being a care leaver
Being HIV positive
Being a Heroin and Crack Cocaine user
Being Transgender
Being in prison
being a teenage parent
Being Romany Gypsy
Being an asylum seeker
Being a parent in the child protection system
Using your voice and platform to make a difference
Conclusion
