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Social Science Social Work

Poverty and Austerity amid Prosperity

A Comparative Introduction

by (author) Gregg M. Olsen

Publisher
University of Toronto Press
Initial publish date
Oct 2021
Category
Social Work, Social Classes, Urban, Economic Conditions, Comparative Politics
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9781487509842
    Publish Date
    Oct 2021
    List Price
    $75.00
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781487509873
    Publish Date
    Sep 2021
    List Price
    $28.95
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781487509859
    Publish Date
    Oct 2021
    List Price
    $35.95

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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.

About the author

Gregg M. Olsen is professor of sociology in the Department of Sociology and Criminology at the University of Manitoba. His other books include The Politics of the Welfare State and Power and Inequality.

Gregg M. Olsen's profile page