Poverty and Austerity amid Prosperity: A Comparative Introduction

Description

Poverty and Austerity amid Prosperity puts a sharp focus on rising levels of poverty and homelessness in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Highlighting the important differences between these countries, Gregg M. Olsen examines how poverty and homelessness have been conceptualized, defined, measured, and addressed in each country. Olsen critically contrasts the two main theoretical traditions – individual and societal – that have emerged to explain poverty and homelessness. Ultimately, he argues that societal approaches to the study of poverty are better equipped to explain the developments unfolding across these nations and that the eradication of poverty will only happen when the socioeconomic system has been seriously overhauled and founded upon economic democracy. Contents Figures, Tables, and Boxes Preface and Acknowledgments PART ONE Understanding Poverty Poverty Matters: Introduction What Is Poverty? Conceptualizing, Defining, and Measuring Poverty PART TWO Identifying and Addressing Poverty: The Dimensions, Character, and Impact of Poverty Poverty in Three Anglo Nations: The Dimensions, Character, and Impact of Poverty Poverty and the Welfare State: Comparative Contrasts PART THREE Explaining Poverty: Theoretical Approaches Individual-Centered Explanations for Poverty: Biogenetic and “Culture of Poverty” Accounts Society-Centered Explanations for Poverty: Systemic and Sociopolitical Accounts PART FOUR Conclusion What Can Be Done? Beyond the Welfare State References Index