Policy Press

The Poverty of Nations

A Relational Perspective

By Paul Spicker

Published

Mar 11, 2020

Page count

218 pages

ISBN

978-1447343332

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Mar 11, 2020

Page count

218 pages

ISBN

978-1447343325

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Mar 11, 2020

Page count

218 pages

ISBN

978-1447343356

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Mar 11, 2020

Page count

218 pages

ISBN

978-1447343356

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press
The Poverty of Nations

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.

Paul Spicker is Emeritus Professor of Public Policy at Robert Gordon University. He has been a consultant on social welfare for a range of agencies; his research includes studies of poverty, need and service delivery.

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