Preface to the First Edition ix
Preface to the Second- Edition xi
Abbreviations xiii
Introduction 1
Concepts, definitions and measures 3
Why concepts matter 7
Chapters and themes 11
1. Defining Poverty 14
Approaches to defining poverty 14
Beyond the absolute-relative dichotomy 23
Conclusion 43
2. Measuring Poverty 44
'Why?' and 'how?' questions 44
'What?' questions 46
'Who?' questions 51
Conclusion 59
3. Inequality, Social Divisions and the Differential Experience of Poverty 60
Inequality, social class and polarization 61
The experience of poverty 63
Gender 64
'Race' and ethnicity 73
Disability 76
Age 78
Geography 81
Conclusion 87
4. Discourses of Poverty: From Othering to Respect 88
Othering and the power of discourse 90
Rooted in history 94
Labelling in the late twentieth and the twenty-first century 98
The 'p' words 104
Representations of poverty 108
Stigma, shame and humiliation 112
Dignity and respect 116
Conclusion 120
5. Poverty and Agency: From Getting By to Getting Organized 122
Agency 124
Getting by 130
Getting (back) at 147
Getting out 156
Getting organized 164
Conclusion 175
6. Poverty, Human Rights and Citizenship 177
Human rights 179
Citizenship 185
Voice 189
'Power not pity' 197
Conclusion 201
Conclusion: From Concept to Politics 203
Key themes 203
Research, policy and practice 208
A politics of redistribution and recognition & respect 217
Notes 222
References 227
Index 293