This eighth volume in the series "Trends in social cohesion" presents two major reports on violence and social exclusion in disadvantaged urban areas. They examine the policies, processes and measures undertaken to overcome social exclusion and build social cohesion, particularly among young people. Both reports provide examples of good practice, lessons learnt and possible next steps.

The first report looks, within the European context, at the extent and causes of urban deprivation and the main spatial patterns to be found in European countries and how this is linked to youth violence. Good practice examples address issues of youth and crime prevention, youth employment and training initiatives and urban renewal processes. Emphasis is placed on projects that promote youth employment, partnerships and the building of social capital.

The second report concentrates on the situation in the United Kingdom, examining the transition from welfare state to stakeholder (welfare) society and the new socio-political and socio-economic structures devised to regenerate social cohesion in disadvantaged urban areas. Youth violence is placed in its wider context, addressing the substantive questions and issues involved in tackling disengaged youth. Specific reference is made to new urban design processes, housing provision and urban typologies.

This activity has been developed by the Social Cohesion Development Division and the integrated project "Responses to violence in everyday life in a democratic society".