Social exclusion and English seaside resorts

This paper investigates characteristics associated with social exclusion in English seaside resorts. Drawing on the Index of Multiple Deprivation (2000), a multi-relational database, an examination is undertaken of the occurrence, nature and extent of social exclusion within and between seaside resorts in England. The study findings reveal that seaside districts, wards and resorts are experiencing higher levels of multiple deprivation than might be expected. In addition, it shows that while there is remarkable similarity in the nature and extent of multiple deprivation being experienced, variations in the socio-economic characteristics of those resorts most affected suggest that their predicament is more complex than first appears. Three important implications for resort restructuring are highlighted. First, it must avoid being too tourism centric and instead should adopt a more holistic approach. Second a ‘one size fit’ approach is inappropriate and third, there is an urgent need for further in-depth research.