Introduction

This book addresses the long-standing global issue of poverty. An introductory chapter explores concepts and definitions of poverty, the subsequent chapters providing detailed examinations of poverty in ten different countries: UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, Malta, The Netherlands, The Philippines and Zimbabwe.

Chapter Format and Focus

Each chapter follows a consistent format, to facilitate comparison and focuses on the following issues:-

• the socio-economic and historical context within which poverty exists
• the extent and nature of poverty
• its causes
• the measures that have been taken to mitigate it.

This book will be essential reading for students of social policy and administration as well as development studies and anthropology.