
OVERALL RATING Excellent
STRENGTHS Comprehensive exploration of the concept, etiology, and consequences of poverty in Canada
WEAKNESSES Dense with information; the explicit political views of the author might be construed as bias
AUDIENCE Health or social service providers working with poor, marginalized, and disenfranchised people
Poverty and Policy in Canada. Implications for Health and Quality of Life provides a “roadmap for the exploration” of the political and economic foundations of poverty in Canada. Divided into 4 parts, each containing 3 to 4 chapters, it considers in turn the definitions and measurements of poverty, the experience of poverty, the consequences of poverty on health and other quality of life indicators, and, lastly, the political and policy underpinnings of poverty in Canada. Each chapter is well laid out with an introductory text, learning objectives, references, and a glossary of terms. This makes it a useful pedagogic resource. The progression of topics throughout the book and the subject matter of individual chapters are methodical and coherent. Chapters can be read in order or taken individually. The book provides an impressive amount of information, generally well supported by references.
In the preface, the author clearly presents his thesis that poverty is the predictable consequence of current Canadian political and economic policies. He presents a useful, intelligent, and pro vocative insight into the concept and consequences of poverty in Canada while also offering occasionally surprising comparisons with other countries. A foreword by Jack Layton provides a hint of partisan politics to an otherwise academically rigorous work.
Overall, this is a solid and comprehensive book, providing a unique Canadian perspective on a highly problematic and understudied Canadian reality. While its size requires stamina from the reader, it is a valuable resource for those wishing to further their understanding of poverty, its social and political roots, and the way in which it affects Canadians and their communities.
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