Addressing concentrations of disadvantage: policy, practice and literature review

Through a review of the relevant academic and policy literature, this report aims to critically revisit both the conceptual thinking and the research evidence that have shaped academic and policy interest in the drivers, outcomes and potential means of addressing concentrations of social disadvantage.

Specifically, the paper discusses the evolution of academic and policy perspectives on:

1. The processes that lead to concentrations of disadvantage, particularly the roles played by housing market processes and by government policy or programs (‘causes’).

2. The processes that contribute to spatial disadvantage—that is, the negative consequences for residents of living in an area of concentrated disadvantage (‘consequences’).

3. Urban policy responses to concentrations of disadvantage (‘responses’).