Poverty and Social Deprivation in the Mediterranean: Trends, Policies and Welfare Prospects in the New Millennium

'This collection of essays lucidly addresses major issues related to poverty in the Mediterranean area. Empirical measurements of poverty reduced to a meaningless 'one or two dollars of daily expenditure', as suggested by the World Bank, are meant to escape the political economy analysis of the processes that generate the phenomenon. Eradicating poverty implies implementing a programme of social security for all citizens, whatever level of development is reached by the country, in accordance with the basic human rights approach cogently suggested in this book.' - Professor Samir Amin, Director of Third World Forum, Dakar & Paris

'This is a most welcome addition to the literature on poverty. It is not just another book but a different and innovative volume. It offers a comparative analysis of poverty for a region -the Mediterranean- which is a microcosm of the global economy comprising a range of countries from the very poor to the rich, countries torn by war and genocide as well as havens of stability, with cultures offering a diverse mixture of family types and ethnic groups. The approach is hard headed and insists on taking the removal of poverty not just as an economic or social policy but as a human rights issue. It should interest students, researchers and policy makers across the world as it has lessons for everywhere and for everyone.' - Lord Meghnad Desai, London School of Economics, UK