Book That Dispels Myth of 'Benefits Scroungers' Wins Prestigious British Academy Prize
MIDDLESBROUGH, England, July 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --
Two Teesside University professors, whose book exposed the myth of the 'benefits scrounger', have been honoured with a prestigious award - and donated their £2,000 prize money to a charity helping people living in poverty.
Professors Rob MacDonald and Tracy Shildrick have been awarded the British Academy Peter Townsend Policy Press Prize for their book 'Poverty and Insecurity: Life in Low-pay, No-pay Britain'.
The book, written with Professor Colin Webster from Leeds Metropolitan University and Dr Kayleigh Garthwaite, from Durham University, was based on research with people from Middlesbrough who were caught up in the 'low-pay, no-pay' cycle - churning between low-paid, insecure jobs and periods out of work, often over many years. It demonstrated that people living in poverty are not like the 'prejudiced portraits of benefit scroungers' as depicted in popular culture. Instead it found a lasting work commitment and a hatred of claiming benefits among those living in, or close to, poverty.
The biennial Peter Townsend Policy Press Prize is awarded for outstanding work with policy relevance on a topic to which Professor Townsend - one of the most distinguished global figures in contemporary social policy and sociology - made a major contribution. This includes poverty and inequality, ageing and the lives of older people, disability and inequalities in health.
Professor Shildrick, from the University's Social Futures Research Institute, is thrilled the book has received such recognition from the British Academy.
'The book shows how poverty and insecurity have now become the defining features of working life for many,' said Professor Shildrick.
'It details the life stories of people who were poor for much of their lives, juggling precarious work and meagre benefits. Ours was a study of the personal consequences of poor work which dispelled the myth of the stereotypical benefits scrounger often depicted in popular culture.
'Professor Peter Townsend made a hugely significant contribution to social policy internationally - particularly to understanding and combating poverty - to receive this accolade is extremely rewarding.'
Professor MacDonald, also from the Social Futures Research Institute, said he was honoured to be able to donate the £2,000 prize money to Thrive, a charity based in Thornaby. Thrive combines research, campaigns and projects to help the most excluded households in the region.
Professor MacDonald said: 'Thrive does some fantastic work in helping people who are living through difficult financial circumstances.'
Michelle Ruane, Communications Co-ordinator. Tel: +44(0)1642-342015
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