Orton, Michael and Rowlingson, Karen. (2006) A problem of riches: towards a new social policy research agenda on the distribution of economic resources. Journal of Social Policy, Vol.36 (No.1). pp. 59-77. ISSN 0047-2794

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Abstract

The distribution of economic resources in society is a central concern for social policy. But research in this area has primarily concentrated on the bottom of the economic distribution, namely ‘the poor’. In this article, we argue that it is time for social policy to move away from a narrow focus on poverty to consider the broader issue of inequality between different groups in the economic distribution and, by implication, the position of better-off citizens. This raises a number of conceptual challenges due to the current lack of consideration of wealth and inequality at a political, theoretical or empirical level. The article discusses the challenges and concludes by outlining a possible research agenda. However, the underpinning argument is that social policy needs to develop a broader understanding of the economic distribution.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Institute for Employment Research
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Social policy -- Research, Distribution (Economic theory), Wealth -- Moral and ethical aspects, Distributive justice, Social justice -- Study and teaching
Journal or Publication Title:	Journal of Social Policy
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
ISSN:	0047-2794
Date:	21 December 2006
Volume:	Vol.36
Number:	No.1
Page Range:	pp. 59-77
Identification Number:	10.1017/S0047279406000377
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Access rights to Published version:	Open Access
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URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/652

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