The volume takes an interdisciplinary and intersectional approach to recent trends in European identities, social exclusion and poverty on the one hand, and social rights and equality legislation and policies in the European Union on the other. It examines whether legal instruments and policies can effectively address structural discrimination and social exclusion, explores their interplay with identity politics and stereotypes, and examines how legal principles and policies translate into societal progress and inclusion at both the EU and national levels.

The book highlights the social rights safeguarded in the European Pillar of Social Rights, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the Council of Europe's European Social Charter, as well as the role of EU and national courts in interpreting social rights and non-discrimination legislation. Using case studies from Greece, Italy and Spain, the book examines state and civil society initiatives to combat poverty and marginalization.

The book will appeal to students, researchers and academics in political science, law, sociology and education, as well as policy-makers and practitioners interested in equality and social policies aimed at combating social exclusion, marginalization and poverty.