Do we judge the poor? Do we fear them? Do we have a moral obligation to help those in need? The moral and social grounds of solidarity and deservedness in relation to aid for poor people are rarely steady. This is particularly true under contemporary austerity reforms, where current debates question exactly who is most 'deserving' of protection in times of crisis. These arguments have accompanied a rise in the production of negative and punitive sentiments towards the poor.
This book breaks new ground in the discussion of the moral dimension of poverty and its implications for the treatment of the poor in mature welfare states, drawing upon the diverse political, social and symbolic constructions of deservedness and otherness. It takes a new look at the issue of poverty from the perspective of public policy, media and public opinion. It also examines, in a topical manner, the various ways in which certain factions contribute to the production of stereotyped representations of poverty and to the construction of boundaries between 'insiders' and 'outsiders' in our society. Case studies from the UK and Italy are used to examine these issues, and to understand the impact that a moralising of poverty has on the everyday experiences of the poor.
This is valuable reading for students and researchers interested in contemporary social work, social policy and welfare systems.
Vorwort
First of Carol Drinkwater's wonderful books to be published in audio. 'Beautifully written with a great sense of humour, it captures perfectly the dreamy atmosphere of the South of France and its people.' - Woman & Home. Abridged edition.
Autorentext
Serena Romano is a Research Fellow at the Department of Social Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
Zusammenfassung
'All my life, I have dreamed of acquiring a crumbling, shabby-chic house overlooking the sea. In my mind's eye, I have pictured a corner of paradise where friends can gather to swim, relax, debate, eat fresh fruits picked directly from the garden and great steaming plates of food served from an al fresco kitchen and dished up on to a candlelit table the length of a railway sleeper...'
When Carol Drinkwater and her partner Michel have the opportunity to buy 10 acres of disused olive farm in Provence, the idea seems absurd. After all, they don't have a lot of money and they've only been together a little while.
THE OLIVE FARM is the story of the highs and lows of purchasing the farm and life in Provence: the local customs and cuisine; the threats of fire and adoption of a menagerie of animals; the potential financial ruin and the thrill of harvesting their own olives - especially when they are discovered to produce the finest extra-virgin olive oil...
Inhalt
Part I: The Moral Background of Poor Relief and Solidary in Public Policy
1. Introduction
2. The Origins of Deservedness: Idleness, Deviance and Discipline
3. The Moral Backgrounds of the Welfare State: Individualism and Solidarity in the British and Italian Contexts
4. A 'Trojan Horse': Morality Meets Austerity
Part II: Narratives of Deservedness
5. Under the Limelight: Parasites, Scroungers and Welfare Queens
6. A New Wave of 'Scroungerphobia'? Perceptions of Poverty in Times of Crisis
Part III: Insiders and Outsiders
7. Geographies of Solidarity
8. Blame It on the Stranger