The objective of the project is to assess the complex urban process beginning with mechanisms of social exclusion at the macro-level and ending with choices by certain young people to engage in delinquent lifestyles. Three specific topics will be explored: (1) the relationship between social exclusion and delinquency in the context of the socio-spatial structure of cities; (2) social exclusion mechanisms in leisure and free time; and (3) how social exclusion mechanisms form a recruitment base for so-called hard core young people in large cities. The theoretical base of the project, expectations, and data collection procedures are described. The project's focus on youth gangs and community-oriented justice is also detailed. Findings are not included because the project was not completed at the time the article was published. 17 references and 28 endnotes