Deprivation
Abstract
Widening inequality in the distribution of resources, higher rates of unemployment and deteriorating conditions in the inner cities have concentrated attention in Britain, and elsewhere in Europe, upon the idea and exact meaning of ‘deprivation’. This scientific concept is used extensively not only in the analysis of social conditions but also, in an applied form, as an instrument of policy in allocating resources to particular regions, areas and services. This paper argues that the indicators which are chosen to represent the phenomenon are often unduly restricted and even involve double counting. As a result the distribution and severity of deprivation seems to be seriously misperceived and resources misallocated. A review of the available studies shows how the concept might be treated more coherently in relation to that of poverty.
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Self-harm is the major risk factor for suicide, with a large number of those dying by suicide having a history of self-harm.
“Self-harm is the major risk factor for suicide, with a large number of those dying by suicide having a history of self-harm.35”
From Mortality gap for people with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia: UK-based cohort study 2000–2014 (2017) · cites this paper as [35]
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- Authors
- Townsend, P.
- Corresponding author
- Townsend, Peter
- ORCID
- Townsend, Peter
- Venue
- Journal of Social Policy
- Publisher
- Cambridge University Press (CUP)
- Published
- 1987-04
- Volume
- 16
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 125-146
- ISSN
- 0047-2794 (ISSN-L)
- 1469-7823
- OpenAlex
- W4247818158
- Cited by
- 1,294
- References
- 18
- Citations by year
- 2026: 83 · 2025: 101 · 2024: 97 · 2023: 97 · 2022: 87 · 2021: 107 · 2020: 84 · 2019: 73 · 2018: 68 · 2017: 47 · 2016: 55 · 2015: 54 · 2014: 36 · 2013: 37 · 2012: 36
- FWCI
- 19.26
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Social Policy (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Income, Poverty, and Inequality
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Quality of Life Measurement
- Social Sciences › Political Science and International Relations › Social Policy and Reform Studies
- Keywords
- deprivation, poverty, deprivation indicators, double counting, resource allocation, inequality, unemployment, inner city, social policy
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