Linking social exclusion and health: Explorations in contrasting neighbourhoods in Hamilton, Ontario

While a substantial body of literature in the UK focuses on social exclusion, attention to this complex relationship is gaining some momentum in the Canadian context. This paper contributes to this growing area of research by examining differences in social exclusion and its impact on health between two adjacent but socially contrasting neighbourhoods in Hamilton, Ontario Canada. Data for the study were collected through a cross-sectional household survey, which contained questions on attitudes towards the neighbourhoods in which people live, social and community networks, health status, as well as socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with residents living in both neighbourhoods. The results reveal differences in both the characteristics and level of social exclusion between the neighbourhoods. The interviews also suggest that local-level social inclusion/exclusion may have an effect on health. The ' findings suggest the need for more policy and research attention directed towards social exclusion at local levels. Copyright © 2007 by the Institute of Urban Studies All rights of reproduction in any form reserved.