The Poverty of Nations - by Paul Spicker (Paperback)

About the Book

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 in both rich and poor countries, this is an accessible contribution to the debate about the nature of poverty and responses to it.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"Spicker's open and pragmatic view of the balanced benefits of development will appeal to many. The Poverty of Nations: A Relational Perspective is a useful entrée into thinking about poverty more broadly. ... it resonated with many of my own experiences of work in both international development and social security contexts. This was perhaps its key strength, its attempt to connect understanding of poverty across a divide of very different circumstances and nations, whilst also honouring the particular experiences of each." International Journal of Social Welfare

About the Author

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.