Poverty and Austerity amid Prosperity: A Comparative Introduction

✍ Scribed by Gregg M. Olsen

• Publisher: University of Toronto Press
• Year: 2021
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 305
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

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.

✦ Table of Contents

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