Synopses & Reviews
This important book makes a vital academic and political statement in the cause of social justice. It begins with an appreciation of the seminal contributions of Peter Townsend (1928-2009), and applies them to contemporary policy debates. It brings together many of the leading contributors to current debates in this field and provides a compelling manifesto for change for students and researchers in the social sciences, policy makers and practitioners, and everybody with an interest in creating a more equal and socially just society.
Review
Peter Townsend was the greatest British social scientist of the 20th century. This book, by leading experts, clearly explains Townsend's contribution to knowledge and how his ideas will influence research and policy in the future. David Gordon,Townsend Centre for International Poverty Research, University of Bristol
Review
Part biography, part manifesto, part a work of research and scholarship, this book is in a fascinating genre of its own. Based on the ideas of the late Peter Townsend, it makes an elegant and powerful contribution to debates of major contemporary importance. Colin Crouch, Warwick Business School
Synopsis
This important book brings together many of the leading contributors in the field and provides a compelling manifesto for change in social justice.
About the Author
Alan Walker, Department of Sociological Studies, University of Sheffield, Adrian Sinfield, School of Social and Political Studies, University of Edinburgh and Carol Walker, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Lincoln
Table of Contents
List of figures and tables
Preface
Notes on contributors
1 The legacy of Peter Townsend
Adrian Sinfield, Alan Walker and Carol Walker
2 The making of a pioneer researcher: reflections from Peter Townsends life story
Paul Thompson
3 Peter Townsend, a man ahead of his time: re-reading The family life of old people and The last refuge
Hilary Land and Hilary Rose
4 The case for universal child benefit
Anthony B. Atkinson
5 Poverty
Jonathan Bradshaw
6 Social justice for children: investigating and eradicating child poverty
Ruth Lister
7 For universalism and against the means test
Carol Walker
8 Underclass, overclass, ruling class, supernova class
Danny Dorling
9 Addressing health inequalities: building on Peter Townsends legacy
Margaret Whitehead
10 Towards a new sociology of ageing: from structured dependency to critical gerontology
Chris Phillipson
11 Disability: prospects for social inclusion
Carol Thomas
12 Putting the lawyers in their place: the role of human rights in the struggle against poverty
Conor Gearty
13 Radicalising social policy in the 21st century: a global approach
Nicola Yeates and Bob Deacon
14 Conclusion: building on the legacy of Peter Townsend
Alan Walker and Coral Walker
Index