Full Description
In this persuasive study, social welfare and policy expert Paul Spicker makes a case for a relational view of poverty.
Poverty is much more than a lack of resources. It involves a complex set of social relationships, such as economic disadvantage, insecurity or a lack of rights. These relational elements tell us what poverty is - what it consists of, what poor people are experiencing, and what problems need to be addressed.
This book examines poverty in the context of the economy, society and the political community, considering how states can respond to issues of inequality, exclusion and powerlessness. Drawing on examples of social policy in both rich and poor countries, this is an accessible contribution to the debate about the nature of poverty and responses to it.
Contents
Introduction: Representations of poverty
Part I ‾ Poverty: economic and social relationships
Poverty
Poverty and the economy
Economic development
Inequality
Exclusion
Poverty and rights
Poverty and social policy
Part II ‾ Rich and poor countries
Poverty in national perspective
Poverty and the state
Poverty in rich countries
Poor countries
Rich and poor countries
Responses to poverty
Conclusion: Poverty and social science
