Poverty is not a neutral phenomenon, nor are social inclusion programmes neutrally conceived, designed and implemented.Their ultimate nature is built upon ideas, values, actors, politics and economic constraints.This topical book is one of the first to examine the social and political construction of anti-poverty programmes in Central Eastern Europe and their transformation from communist rule to the current economic crisis. It covers the approach towards the 'parasite' poor through to Guaranteed Minimum Income Schemes and illustrates how the distinction between different categories of 'deserving' and 'undeserving' poor has evolved over the years as the result of changing paradigms, combined with the pressure exerted by domestic and international actors, the European Union and the World Bank among others. This text breaks new ground for social policy students and scholars interested in understanding how differently post-communist welfare states have represented, legitimised and dealt with poverty, need and social justice in accordance with divergent normative frameworks constructed at national level.

About the Author
Serena Romano holds a PhD in Social Research and is currently a research fellow at the University of Naples Federico II, Italy. She was previously a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Salerno. Her primary research interests include comparative social policy, welfare change, poverty and the ethical foundations of anti-poverty programmes.

Reviews
"This volume will be of interest to both academics and domestic and international policymakers concerned with the persistent problems of welfare reform, poverty and social exclusion in Europe." LSE Book Review
"An important contribution to social policy studies" Critical Social Policy



Book Information
ISBN 9781447312710
Author Serena Romano
Format Hardback
Page Count 272
Imprint Policy Press
Publisher Bristol University Press