Description
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewSince the emergence of social science in the 19th-century, there has been much study of poverty and the poor. But until now, no one has attempted to include the poor themselves as equal partners in this intellectual project. The Merging of Knowledge: People in Poverty and Academics is an exemplary beginning in what may well become a new method, and a new philosophy, of social research. -- Frances Fox Piven, The City University of New York
The groundbreaking search for useable knowledge of poverty and exclusion described in this unique book demonstrates the role that can be played in the formulation of that knowledge by academics, by professionals, and by the poor themselves. Here, at last, is a deeply serious and innovative effort to blend the special perspectives of academics, professionals, and the poor into a new and respectful synthesis. This book demonstrates what it takes to really hear and use what each participant (and especially the poor) brings to the table. Every reader—student, teacher, researcher, professional, activist, policy maker—will think differently about what contributes to knowledge after reading this book. -- Harold Richman, Hermon Dunlap Smith Professor Emeritus, University of Chicago; founding director of the Chapin Hall Center for Children at the U
People living in poverty are capable of reflection, expression, and analysis. For me, this is not an hypothesis but an observation. This book, The Merging of Knowledge, is the story of an encounter of two approaches to knowledge, one weighted towards experience, the other toward interpretation. This encounter makes me realize that we need to replace an abstract philosophy of the social with a concrete philosophy of persons who act. -- Alain Touraine, Ecole des Hautes, Etudes de Sciences Sociales
In modern society, poverty is not just a matter of economics or social isolation. It is also a two-fold cultural exclusion. First, it is an exclusion of the poor from the knowledge of society. Second, it is the exclusion of the poor's own knowledge of society. Through the collective effort of academics and individuals living in extreme poverty to understand each other, this 'emerging of knowledge' yields important new insights on questions of history, family, knowledge, work, and citizenship. Essential reading for anyone concerned with poverty today. -- William Julius Wilson, Lewis P. and Linda L. Geyser University Professor, Harvard University
Table of ContentsPart 1 Preface Chapter 2 General Introduction Part 3 I: History: From Shame to Pride Chapter 4 Introduction Chapter 5 The Group's Approach Chapter 6 Different Viewpoints Chapter 7 Understanding Poverty from Within Chapter 8 Turnaround Chapter 9 From the People of Poverty to the People of the Fourth World Chapter 10 Conclusion Part 11 Appendix Part 12 II: Family: The Family Plan and Time Chapter 13 Introduction Chapter 14 Approach Chapter 15 The Family Chapter 16 Time and Continuance in the Family Plan Chapter 17 Between Planning and Crisis: A division within Family Time Chapter 18 Is the Family Project a Stepping Stone to Entering Society? Chapter 19 Conclusions Part 20 Appendix Part 21 III: Knowledge: Freeing Knowledge! Chapter 22 Introduction Chapter 23 Methodological Approach Chapter 24 Academic Knowledge Chapter 25 Knowledge Gained from Life Experience Chapter 26 Knowledge Born of Action and Personal Commitment Chapter 27 Conclusion Part 28 Appendix Part 29 IV: Work and Human Activity: Hidden Talents Chapter 30 Introduction Chapter 31 Methodology Chapter 32 A Description of Some Skills Chapter 33 Skills Analysis Chapter 34 Education and Training Chapter 35 Recognition Chapter 36 Conclusion Part 37 Appendix Part 38 V: Citizenship: Representation and Extreme Poverty Chapter 39 Introduction Chapter 40 Methodology Chapter 41 Definitions of Representation Chapter 42 Means of Representation Chapter 43 Representation as a Path towards Democracy Chapter 44 Conclusion Part 45 Appendix Chapter 46 Views of the Academic Panel Chapter 47 Initial Evaluation of the Project Part 48 Appendix: The Thinking of the Poor in a Knowledge That Leads to Combat Part 49 Glossary Part 50 Bibliography (from Fourth World Movement) Part 51 Index
