Richer, The Poorer: How Britain Enriched the Few and Failed the Poor. A 200-Year History

The Richer, The Poorer explores how Britain's powerful elites have enriched themselves at the expense of inequality, mass poverty, and weakened social resilience, creating a two-century-long "high-inequality, high-poverty cycle." Stewart Lansley questions why rich and poor citizens are judged by different standards and calls for action to break the cycle.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 318 pages
Publication date: 25 November 2021
Publisher: Bristol University Press

The Richer, The Poorer: A Rollercoaster History of Wealth and Poverty explores the intricate connections between wealth and impoverishment, tracing the tumultuous journey of both the rich and the poor over two centuries. This landmark book reveals how Britain's most powerful elites have amassed immense wealth at the expense of escalating inequality, widespread poverty, and weakened social resilience. Stewart Lansley delves into the origins of Britain's model of "extractive capitalism," characterized by a small elite securing a substantial share of the economic pie, leading to a two-century-long cycle of "high-inequality, high-poverty." He questions why rich and poor citizens are held to different standards and why social progress has been so narrowly shared. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is growing urgency to address the destructive poverty/inequality cycle in Britain. Lansley offers insightful recommendations for breaking this cycle, including promoting social mobility, investing in education and training, and implementing policies that redistribute wealth and reduce inequality. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of poverty, such as systemic discrimination and economic inequality, to create a more just and equitable society. The Richer, The Poorer is a thought-provoking and timely book that sheds light on the complex dynamics of wealth and poverty and provides a roadmap for building a more prosperous and inclusive future.

The Richer, The Poorer: A Rollercoaster History of Wealth and Poverty explores the intricate connections between wealth and impoverishment, tracing the tumultuous journey of both the rich and the poor over two centuries. This landmark book reveals how Britain's most powerful elites have amassed immense wealth at the expense of escalating inequality, widespread poverty, and weakened social resilience. Stewart Lansley delves into the origins of Britain's model of "extractive capitalism," characterized by a small elite securing a substantial share of the economic pie, leading to a two-century-long cycle of "high-inequality, high-poverty." He questions why rich and poor citizens are held to different standards and why social progress has been so narrowly shared. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is growing urgency to address the destructive poverty/inequality cycle in Britain. Lansley offers insightful recommendations for breaking this cycle, including promoting social mobility, investing in education and training, and implementing policies that redistribute wealth and reduce inequality. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of poverty, such as systemic discrimination and economic inequality, to create a more just and equitable society. The Richer, The Poorer is a thought-provoking and timely book that sheds light on the complex dynamics of wealth and poverty and provides a roadmap for building a more prosperous and inclusive future.

Weight: 482g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781447363217