Why Poverty Persists and How to Fix it - Keetie Roelen

Why Poverty Persists and How to Fix it

(Author: Keetie Roelen)

“If you want to understand the reality of poverty, start by reading this book.” — Olivier De Schutter, UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights

Despite being a major focus of modern political campaigns and social initiatives, poverty rates continue to rise sharply across many parts of the globe. In the UK alone, over 14 million people and nearly a third of children live in poverty—marking two decades without a sustained reduction in hardship. Addressing inequality and systemic deprivation has never been more urgent.

In Why Poverty Persists and How to Fix it, international development expert and host of the Poverty Unpacked podcast, Dr. Keetie Roelen, argues that technical policy interventions alone are insufficient. The missing, crucial ingredient in the fight against economic inequality is deep, structural empathy.

Bringing together decades of research with global case studies, Roelen takes readers inside the lived experience of poverty across different social spectrums. She examines cutting-edge poverty alleviation programs from around the world and arms readers with the knowledge, frameworks, and practical strategies required to drive lasting social reform.

Key Features:

• Expert Analysis on Global Poverty: Written by Dr. Keetie Roelen, a leading social policy researcher and host of the popular Poverty Unpacked podcast.

• Lived Experience & Empathy-Driven Policy: Focuses on human dignity, lived reality, and the social stigma of poverty alongside economic metrics.

• Global Case Studies & Solutions: Reviews innovative welfare programs, social safety nets, and community-led initiatives across different countries.

• Crucial Reading for Policy Makers & Readers: Essential reading for economists, social workers, public policy students, NGO leaders, and anyone committed to social justice.