Description
Book SynopsisThis book argues that active citizenship and poverty are inextricably linked. A common sentiment in discussions of poverty and social policy is that decisions made about those living in poverty or near-poverty are illegitimate, inadvisable, and non-responsive to the needs and interests of the poor if the poor themselves are not involved in the decision-making process. Inside this intuitively appealing idea, however, are a range of potential contradictions and conflicts. These conflicts are at the nexus between active citizenship and technical expertise, between promotion of stability in governance and empowerment of people, between empowerment that is genuine and sustainable and empowerment that is artificial, and between a war on poverty that is built on the ideas of collaborative governance and one that is built on an assumption of rule of the elite. The poor have long been consigned to a group of included-out citizens. They are legally living in a place, but they are not afforded th
Trade ReviewThis is a delightful book that addresses a very complex subject and offers a well-informed and analytic treatment. The work covers a lot of ground and does so with an easy flow of writing and clarity of thinking. The work makes a unique contribution in outlining the complex and nuanced nature of the “poor,” how this subject has been addressed, and what options are fruitful to explore in the coming decades. The work is well-informed and draws on reasoned interpretation and sound connection to the literature. This is not easily accomplished, but the authors have achieved this with a respect for the literature. -- Jack Meek, University of La Verne
Poor Participation is a powerful call to action grounded in a clear-eyed analysis of what poverty means and does. Looking beyond the conventional focus on financial indigence, Bryer and Prysmakova-Rivera clarify the fundamental roots of poverty in societal power structures and relations of citizenship. Their arguments deserve to be widely considered and debated. -- Joe Soss, Cowles Professor for the Study of Public Service, University of Minnesota
Bryer and Prysmakova-Rivera have written an impressively accessible and engaging volume that highlights the complexities surrounding participation in society by the poor. Drawing on a wide range of evocative data, from illustrative case studies to song lyrics and literary examples that span the globe, it investigates available participatory strategies and solutions to the war on poverty. -- Victoria Foster, Edge Hill University
Table of ContentsPreface Chapter 1: Poverty, Participation, and an Emergent New Path for the 21st Century Chapter 2: About “Us” Chapter 3: With or Without Us Chapter 4: Representation of the Included-In and Included-Out Chapter 5: Historical Development of Poverty Policies Chapter 6: Case Study of Community Development Block Grant Program Chapter 7: War on Poverty and Impoverished Citizenship for the 21st Century Chapter 8: Organizing the Power Structure to Address Poverty and Refugees Chapter 9: The Wars on Poverty and Impoverished Citizenship at Home and Abroad Conclusion
