Sixteen Conclusion
-
Christina Pantazis
Abstract
The range of topics covered in the chapters of this volume illustrates the extent and richness of the data gathered by the Poverty and Social Exclusion (PSE) Survey. Other researchers are increasingly working with the archived data set1, but this book will remain the core summary of its methodology and findings. The conclusions of this analysis are theoretical, methodological and empirical – and, in the end, political, since there are some crucial messages that should inform social policy and the anti-poverty agenda.
The defining characteristics of the PSE Survey in its approach to poverty are twofold. First, it is based on a consensual measure, a minimum standard of living supported by a majority of the population. Second, that standard of living is conceived in concrete rather than abstract terms, and specified in terms of agreed necessities. This entails the direct measurement of deprivation in terms of the lack of material and social necessities, rather than indirect assessment on the basis of income alone.
The PSE Survey method of scientifically measuring poverty in terms of both low income and deprivation of necessities generates alarming figures for the numbers and proportion of the population living in want at the beginning of the new millennium. About one in every four people, nearly 25% of the population of Britain, were living in poverty by this measure. What this means in terms of the millions of adults and children forced to go without adequate housing, food and clothing is set out at the start of the Introduction, and elaborated throughout the book.
Abstract
The range of topics covered in the chapters of this volume illustrates the extent and richness of the data gathered by the Poverty and Social Exclusion (PSE) Survey. Other researchers are increasingly working with the archived data set1, but this book will remain the core summary of its methodology and findings. The conclusions of this analysis are theoretical, methodological and empirical – and, in the end, political, since there are some crucial messages that should inform social policy and the anti-poverty agenda.
The defining characteristics of the PSE Survey in its approach to poverty are twofold. First, it is based on a consensual measure, a minimum standard of living supported by a majority of the population. Second, that standard of living is conceived in concrete rather than abstract terms, and specified in terms of agreed necessities. This entails the direct measurement of deprivation in terms of the lack of material and social necessities, rather than indirect assessment on the basis of income alone.
The PSE Survey method of scientifically measuring poverty in terms of both low income and deprivation of necessities generates alarming figures for the numbers and proportion of the population living in want at the beginning of the new millennium. About one in every four people, nearly 25% of the population of Britain, were living in poverty by this measure. What this means in terms of the millions of adults and children forced to go without adequate housing, food and clothing is set out at the start of the Introduction, and elaborated throughout the book.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures vii
- List of tables x
- Acknowledgements xv
- List of acronyms xvii
- Notes on contributors xix
- Introduction 1
-
Principles
- The concept and measurement of poverty 29
- The international measurement of ‘absolute’ and ‘overall’ poverty: applying the 1995 Copenhagen definitions to Britain 71
- The necessities of life 89
- The concept and measurement of social exclusion 123
-
Processes
- Does work pay? Employment, poverty and exclusion from social relations 163
- Debt and financial exclusion 191
- Social exclusion and local services 217
- Crime, ‘disorder’, insecurity and social exclusion 249
- Mental health, poverty and social exclusion 285
-
People
- Children, poverty and social exclusion 315
- Youth, poverty and social exclusion 347
- Gender, poverty and social exclusion 375
- Lone mothers, poverty and social exclusion 405
- Pensioners, poverty and social exclusion 431
- Conclusion 459
- Index 471
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents v
- List of figures vii
- List of tables x
- Acknowledgements xv
- List of acronyms xvii
- Notes on contributors xix
- Introduction 1
-
Principles
- The concept and measurement of poverty 29
- The international measurement of ‘absolute’ and ‘overall’ poverty: applying the 1995 Copenhagen definitions to Britain 71
- The necessities of life 89
- The concept and measurement of social exclusion 123
-
Processes
- Does work pay? Employment, poverty and exclusion from social relations 163
- Debt and financial exclusion 191
- Social exclusion and local services 217
- Crime, ‘disorder’, insecurity and social exclusion 249
- Mental health, poverty and social exclusion 285
-
People
- Children, poverty and social exclusion 315
- Youth, poverty and social exclusion 347
- Gender, poverty and social exclusion 375
- Lone mothers, poverty and social exclusion 405
- Pensioners, poverty and social exclusion 431
- Conclusion 459
- Index 471
