ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the cumulative impact on people’s lives of the interlinked network of agencies which often speak in frightening unison when it comes to social exclusion. It demonstrates that some of the regulatory power mechanisms which the learners had to overcome. Comments across the various generations show, however, that where specific barriers may seem to diminish, others take their place, ensuring a continuity of exclusion. Even when opportunities seemed to be more flexible, the participants themselves would unconsciously construct new rationales for self exclusion. All the Wyrevale participants cited disability related instances of oppression which affected every aspect of their lives. The Wyrevale participants felt even further removed from the possibilities of further or higher education – and even work – in terms of class, social experiences and disability backgrounds. Disciplinary power included a desire for education, training and a place in the skilled job market.
