Poverty and Psychology : From Global Perspective to Local Practice

Although poverty is a global issue profoundly affecting millions of human beings, the psychology literature rarely focuses on this problem. Poverty and Psychology: From Global Perspective to Local Practice seeks to remedy that by bringing together academics, community practitioners and clinicians who are actively involved in studying the ramifications of poverty in groups and individuals as well as outlining successful methods of participant intervention. With a focus on positive and critical psychology and the resilience of the human spirit, the book brings the psychology of poverty up-to-date with current thinking and scientific approaches, and will inspire and encourage those working in the field. Covering a wide range of settings, from the shanty towns of Brazil and Venezuela to the inner cities of England and Scotland, to indigenous communities of the Australian outback, noted contributors share their direct experiences and a positive message for working toward progressive solutions.

Stuart C. Carr is Senior Lecturer at the School of Psychology at Massey University. Carr has a background in social and organizational psychology, and has lived and worked in Malawi, far north Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the South Pacific. He has consulted to and worked for a rage of aid organizations and universities in developing areas, His interests are focused on the applications of psychology, principally social and organizational psychology, to the reduction of poverty and the enhancement of social equity. Dr. Carr is a member of Australia’s College of Organizational Psychology and coordinates the Industrial/Organizational Psychology program at Massey University in New Zealand. Since 1996, Carr has edited the peer-reviewed publication South Pacific Journal of Psychology, a journal dedicated to fostering awareness of psychological issues in development processes.

Tod S. Sloan is Co-Coordinator of Psychologists for Social Responsibility. Currently at Georgetown University, he’s previously served as professor of psychology at the University of Tulsa where he founded the Center for Community Research and Development. He has held Fulbright awards for research and lecturing in Venezuela and Nicaragua. His primary interests are the psychosocial impact of modernization, dialogic processes in deep democracy, and critical psychology.