ABSTRACT
Today, social exclusion, which we will define as related to a lack of social participation, is clearly one of the most threatening problems for the authorities of cities. Moreover, social exclusion will also be one of the key issues cities will have to deal with tomorrow. Disintegration and fragmentation of social relations may function as seedbeds for inter-group tension and criminal behaviour, and since social exclusion implies living in a more or less isolated situation, cut off from mainstream society, the opportunities for social mobility, through additional education, getting a (new) job or an improved housing situation, will be diminished. This in turn may further add to problems of deprivation.
