ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book pursues a relational definition of inequality, which treats it as a difference between two sides: winners and losers. It explains what actors at the local level can do, not just to alleviate the symptoms of inequality, but to combat its causes. The book seeks to answer questions on what actors at the local level can do to combat the causes of inequality. Often, the efforts are being considered as directed towards the national or even the European Union EU scale levels. The book sets out to identify the causes and one of them is inherent in precisely this limited approach to the symptoms. It explores the differences concerning growth models and welfare regimes. In general, societies have developed into a new condition of social inclusion, which explains why many young people have become excluded.
