Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 06/2010

Something for nothing: Challenging negative attitudes to people living in poverty

Clare Cochrane

May 2010

Oxfam Publishing

Abstract

People living in poverty in the UK make a vital contribution to the economy and society through unpaid caring and community work. But public attitudes prevail that people on low incomes – and particularly those on benefits – are ‘scroungers’ who are to blame for their own poverty. These attitudes are exacerbated by a widespread assumption that opportunities to earn a reasonable income are readily available. Something for Nothing highlights the positive contribution made by people on low incomes, and explores the barriers which prevent many people from moving out of benefits and into employment. In doing so, we hope to encourage positive attitudes towards people in poverty; and to contribute to the creation of a climate which supports the bold policy measures needed to end UK poverty.