Lena Dominelli
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- January 2020
- ISBN:
- 9781447341284
- eISBN:
- 9781447341338
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447341284.003.0002
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Stratification, Inequality, and Mobility
This chapter argues that monetarised conceptualisations of poverty cannot address the multiple complexities of poverty because these focus on individual behaviour, and ignore its multiple aspects ...
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This chapter argues that monetarised conceptualisations of poverty cannot address the multiple complexities of poverty because these focus on individual behaviour, and ignore its multiple aspects including its relationality, emotionality, social exclusion, and structural forms of inequality. By exploring the conceptual limitations of absolute and relative poverty, this chapter reconceptualises poverty holistically within participatory relational space, uncovering its relational dimensions involving self-fulfilment, agency, and realisation of welfare entitlements rooted in universal human rights not nation-state-based citizenship. It situates poverty within participatory relational space which combines action within domestic relational space and public relational space to transcend concepts that portray poor people as passive objects of policymakers. This chapter also contends that the nation-state has ‘a duty of care’ towards those residing within its borders that requires tackling structural inequalities and 21st century realities on the European continent. Addressing the structural welfare needs of both citizens and non-citizens will strengthen social solidarity and endorse new policies and practices to eradicate poverty in Europe.Less
This chapter argues that monetarised conceptualisations of poverty cannot address the multiple complexities of poverty because these focus on individual behaviour, and ignore its multiple aspects including its relationality, emotionality, social exclusion, and structural forms of inequality. By exploring the conceptual limitations of absolute and relative poverty, this chapter reconceptualises poverty holistically within participatory relational space, uncovering its relational dimensions involving self-fulfilment, agency, and realisation of welfare entitlements rooted in universal human rights not nation-state-based citizenship. It situates poverty within participatory relational space which combines action within domestic relational space and public relational space to transcend concepts that portray poor people as passive objects of policymakers. This chapter also contends that the nation-state has ‘a duty of care’ towards those residing within its borders that requires tackling structural inequalities and 21st century realities on the European continent. Addressing the structural welfare needs of both citizens and non-citizens will strengthen social solidarity and endorse new policies and practices to eradicate poverty in Europe.
