What was Peter Townsend's final academic position?

Peter Townsend's last academic position was Professor of International Social Policy at the London School of Economics.

What significant organizations did Peter Townsend co-found?

Peter Townsend was a co-founder of two significant organizations: the Child Poverty Action Group and the Disability Alliance.

What honor was established by the British Academy in memory of Peter Townsend?

In memory of Peter Townsend, the British Academy established the Peter Townsend Policy Press Prize.

Where was Peter Townsend born and where did he pass away?

Peter Townsend was born in Middlesbrough, England, and he passed away in Dursley, England.

What were the key educational institutions Peter Townsend attended?

Peter Townsend's education included attendance at Fleet Road Elementary School in Gospel Oak, University College School, St John's College, Cambridge (where he earned his MA), and the Free University in Berlin.

Can you describe Peter Townsend's marital history and family?

Peter Townsend was married three times. His first marriage was to Ruth Pearce, with whom he had four sons. His second marriage was to Joy Skegg, and they had one daughter. His third marriage was to Jean Ann Corston, a Labour peer and former MP, with whom he had one stepson and one stepdaughter; they had been partners since 1980.

What was Peter Townsend's overarching dedication in his sociological work?

Peter Townsend was dedicated to studying "very carefully the life of the poorest and most handicapped members of society," a principle he applied consistently both within and outside of academia.

When was the Child Poverty Action Group established, and what was Peter Townsend's involvement?

Peter Townsend co-founded the Child Poverty Action Group in 1965. He served as its chair for twenty years and held the title of Life President from 1989 onwards.

What other significant group did Peter Townsend co-found, and in response to what event?

In response to the Thalidomide scandal, Peter Townsend co-founded the Disability Alliance.

How long did Peter Townsend lead the Disability Alliance?

Peter Townsend chaired the Disability Alliance for 25 years.

How did Peter Townsend define relative poverty?

Peter Townsend defined relative poverty as a condition where individuals, families, or groups lack the resources to obtain a customary diet, participate in activities, and maintain living conditions that are widely encouraged or approved within their society. He emphasized that their resources are so seriously below the average that they are effectively excluded from ordinary living patterns and customs.

What concept related to monetary exchange is attributed to Peter Townsend?

The concept of "Townsend inefficiency" is attributed to Peter Townsend, describing a potential property of monetary exchange.

How does Townsend inefficiency manifest in the context of employment or labor?

Townsend inefficiency can manifest when a party in a monetary exchange, such as a worker, primarily evaluates the value of the money they receive rather than the utility generated by their production. An example is a worker focusing on their paycheck without fully considering the amount of labor performed to earn it, which creates an inefficiency in the monetary transaction.

When did Peter Townsend die, and what was the cause?

Peter Townsend died on June 8, 2009, due to heart failure.

Who survived Peter Townsend?

Peter Townsend was survived by his wife and his five children.

What is the subject of Peter Townsend's 2003 publication, "Child poverty in the developing world"?

Peter Townsend's 2003 publication, "Child poverty in the developing world," addresses the issue of child poverty in developing nations.

What topic is addressed in Peter Townsend's 1979 book, "Poverty in the United Kingdom"?

Peter Townsend's 1979 book, "Poverty in the United Kingdom," is a survey of household resources and standards of living within the UK.

What is the focus of the publication "Inequalities in health: the Black Report and the health divide" co-authored by Peter Townsend?

Co-authored by Peter Townsend, "Inequalities in health: the Black Report and the health divide" examines disparities in health outcomes and the factors contributing to the health divide.

What question does Peter Townsend's 1984 publication, "Why are the many poor?", explore?

Peter Townsend's 1984 publication, "Why are the many poor?", explores the reasons behind widespread poverty.

What was the subject of Peter Townsend's 1962 book, "The last refuge"?

Peter Townsend's 1962 book, "The last refuge," provided a critical analysis of residential institutions and homes for the aged in England and Wales.

What did Peter Townsend investigate in his 1957 book, "The family life of old people"?

In his 1957 book, "The family life of old people," Peter Townsend conducted an inquiry into the family lives of elderly individuals in East London.

What is the theme of the 2002 edited volume "World poverty: new policies to defeat an enemy"?

The 2002 edited volume "World poverty: new policies to defeat an enemy," co-edited by Peter Townsend, focuses on proposing new policies to combat global poverty.

During which years did Peter Townsend serve as the Chair of the Fabian Society?

Peter Townsend served as the Chair of the Fabian Society from 1965 to 1966.

Who were the predecessor and successor to Peter Townsend as Chair of the Fabian Society?

Tony Benn was the predecessor to Peter Townsend as Chair of the Fabian Society, and William Rodgers (Baron Rodgers of Quarry Bank) was his successor.

What was the specific title of Peter Townsend's professorship at the London School of Economics?

Peter Townsend held the title of Professor of International Social Policy at the London School of Economics.

What was the significance of the Peter Townsend Policy Press Prize?

The Peter Townsend Policy Press Prize was established by the British Academy as a tribute to Peter Townsend's contributions and legacy in the field of social policy.

What was the focus of the research committee Peter Townsend joined in the 1960s?

The research committee Peter Townsend joined in the 1960s was the Research Committee of the Council for Training in Social Work.

What is the citation for Peter Townsend's definition of relative poverty?

Peter Townsend's definition of relative poverty is cited from page 31 of his 1979 publication, "Poverty in the United Kingdom."

What is the title of the working paper co-authored by Townsend, Gordon, and Pantazis in 2001?

The title of the working paper co-authored by Townsend, Gordon, and Pantazis in 2001 is "The changing necessities of life, Working Paper 2 of the Poverty and Social Exclusion Survey."

What is the subject of the 1993 publication "The international analysis of poverty"?

The 1993 publication "The international analysis of poverty" by Peter Townsend focuses on the global analysis of poverty.

What is the focus of the 1991 publication "The poor are poorer, a statistical report on changes in the living standards of rich and poor in the UK 1979–1989"?

The 1991 publication "The poor are poorer, a statistical report on changes in the living standards of rich and poor in the UK 1979–1989" by Peter Townsend statistically analyzes the changes in living standards between the rich and the poor in the UK during the specified decade.

What is the subject of the 1984 publication "Responses to poverty: lessons from Europe"?

The 1984 publication "Responses to poverty: lessons from Europe," co-authored by Peter Townsend, examines various approaches and lessons learned from European strategies for addressing poverty.

What is the subject of the 1980 publication "Labour and equality: a Fabian study of Labour in power, 1974–79"?

The 1980 publication "Labour and equality: a Fabian study of Labour in power, 1974–79," co-authored by Peter Townsend, analyzes the relationship between the Labour party's time in power and issues of equality.

What is the subject of the 1971 publication "The concept of poverty: working papers on methods of investigation and life-styles of the poor in different countries"?

The 1971 publication "The concept of poverty: working papers on methods of investigation and life-styles of the poor in different countries," edited by Peter Townsend, compiles working papers on the methods used to investigate poverty and the lifestyles of impoverished populations across various countries.

What is the subject of the 1968 publication "Social services for all?"?

The 1968 publication "Social services for all?," co-authored by Peter Townsend, critically analyzes the Seebohm Proposals concerning social services.

What is the subject of the 1967 publication "Poverty, socialism, and Labour in power"?

The 1967 publication "Poverty, socialism, and Labour in power" by Peter Townsend discusses the intersection of poverty, socialist ideology, and the Labour party's governance.

What was the purpose of Peter Townsend's involvement with the University of Essex?

Peter Townsend was one of the co-founders of the University of Essex.

What does the image caption describe?

The image caption identifies the photograph as Peter Townsend, who was a professor of international social policy at the London School of Economics.

Peter Townsend Sociologist Wiki: Peter Townsend: A Sociological Lens on Poverty and Policy

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Life and Education

Early Life and Education

Peter Brereton Townsend was born on April 6, 1928, in Middlesbrough, England. His academic journey began at Fleet Road Elementary School in Gospel Oak, followed by University College School. He pursued higher education at St John's College, Cambridge, where he earned his MA, and furthered his studies at the Free University, Berlin. This foundational education provided him with a broad perspective that would inform his later sociological work.

Personal Life

Townsend's personal life was marked by three marriages. His first marriage was to Ruth Pearce in 1949, with whom he had four sons. Following their separation, he married Joy Skegg in 1977, and they had one daughter. In 1985, he married Jean Ann Corston, a notable Labour peer and former Member of Parliament, who was his partner from 1980. His family life, though complex, provided a backdrop to his extensive public and academic career.

Career and Advocacy

Commitment to Social Justice

Peter Townsend dedicated his career to meticulously examining the lives of the most disadvantaged members of society. This commitment extended beyond academia into active advocacy. He held significant positions, including serving on the Research Committee of the Council for Training in Social Work during the 1960s, contributing to the development of social work practices.

Founding Key Organizations

Townsend was instrumental in establishing influential organizations aimed at addressing societal inequalities. In 1965, he co-founded the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), serving as its chair for two decades and later as its Life President. In response to the Thalidomide scandal, he co-founded the Disability Alliance, leading it for 25 years. These initiatives underscore his profound dedication to championing the rights and welfare of vulnerable populations.

Academic Roles

His academic career included professorial roles at prestigious institutions. He was Professor of International Social Policy at the London School of Economics (LSE) and held the position of Emeritus Professor of Social Policy at the University of Bristol. Furthermore, he was recognized as a co-founder of the University of Essex, contributing to the establishment of a new center for social science research and education.

Seminal Contributions

Defining Relative Poverty

Peter Townsend significantly advanced the understanding of poverty by proposing a definition of relative poverty. He argued that individuals and families are in poverty when they lack the resources to obtain the diet, participate in the activities, and maintain the living conditions that are customary or widely approved in their society. His influential definition, articulated in his 1979 work Poverty in the United Kingdom, states:

"Individuals, families and groups in the population can be said to be in poverty when they lack the resources to obtain the type of diet, participate in the activities and have the living conditions and the amenities which are customary, or at least widely encouraged or approved in the societies to which they belong. Their resources are so seriously below those commanded by the average family that they are in effect excluded from the ordinary living patterns, customs, and activities."

This perspective shifted the focus from absolute deprivation to a societal context, emphasizing that poverty is not merely about lacking basic necessities but about being excluded from the mainstream of social life due to insufficient resources compared to the societal average. This approach highlights the social and relational aspects of deprivation.

Townsend Inefficiency

Townsend also conceptualized "Townsend inefficiency" within monetary exchange. This refers to a situation where one party in a transaction primarily evaluates the value of the money received, rather than the utility or value of the goods or labor being exchanged. For instance, a worker might focus solely on their paycheck without fully considering the labor promised in return. This can lead to an imbalance or inefficiency in the economic transaction, where the perceived value of money overshadows the intrinsic value of the exchange itself.

Poverty and Exclusion

Measuring Deprivation

Townsend's extensive research focused on understanding and quantifying poverty and social exclusion. His work provided critical data and conceptual frameworks for analyzing the living standards of the poorest segments of society. He meticulously documented changes in living standards, particularly concerning low incomes and the necessities of life, contributing significantly to policy debates on welfare and social support systems.

Global Perspective

His research extended beyond the United Kingdom, examining poverty in the developing world. His publication, Child poverty in the developing world (2003), reflects his commitment to a global understanding of deprivation and its multifaceted impacts. He collaborated with others, such as David Gordon, on projects like World poverty: new policies to defeat an old enemy, aiming to inform policy interventions on an international scale.

Economic Concepts

The Nature of Townsend Inefficiency

The concept of "Townsend inefficiency" highlights a potential disconnect in economic transactions. It suggests that when individuals prioritize the monetary value of a transaction over the intrinsic value of the goods or services exchanged, it can create an economic inefficiency. This perspective offers a critical lens on labor markets and the perceived value of work, suggesting that a focus solely on remuneration might obscure other aspects of the employment relationship.

This inefficiency arises when the evaluation of the transaction is skewed towards the financial outcome for one party, potentially overlooking the broader context of labor, skill, and societal contribution. It prompts consideration of how economic systems might be structured to ensure more balanced valuations.

Passing and Legacy

Final Years

Peter Townsend passed away on June 8, 2009, in Dursley, England, due to heart failure. He was survived by his wife, Jean Ann Corston, and his five children, leaving behind a significant legacy in the fields of sociology and social policy. His contributions continue to influence academic discourse and policy-making.

Honoring His Work

In recognition of his profound impact on social policy research, the British Academy established the Peter Townsend Policy Press Prize in his memory. This award serves as a lasting tribute to his dedication to understanding and alleviating poverty and social exclusion, ensuring his influence endures.

Selected Publications

Key Works

Peter Townsend authored and co-authored numerous influential books and papers throughout his career. His publications provided critical insights into poverty, inequality, and social services. Some of his notable works include:

Poverty in the United Kingdom: a survey of household resources and standards of living (1979)
The international analysis of poverty (1993)
Child poverty in the developing world (2003)
The fifth social service: a critical analysis of the Seebohm Proposals (1970)
The last refuge: a survey of residential institutions and homes for the aged in England and Wales (1962)

Child poverty in the developing world, Bristol: Policy Press 2003
Better pensions: the state's responsibility, London: Catalyst Forum, 2003
With Gordon, D. (eds.) World poverty: new policies to defeat an old enemy, Bristol: The Policy Press, 2002
With Gordon, D. and Pantazis, C.The changing necessities of life, Working Paper 2 of the Poverty and Social Exclusion Survey, Townsend Centre for International Poverty Research, University of Bristol, Bristol, 2001
With Gordon, D. (eds.) Breadline Europe: the measurement of poverty, Bristol: The Policy Press, 2000
With et al. Poverty and social exclusion in Britain, York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 2000
With et al. Absolute and overall poverty in Britain in 1997: what the population themselves say, Bristol: Bristol Statistical Monitoring Unit, University of Bristol, 1997
The international analysis of poverty, London and New York, Harvester Wheatsheaf, 1993
Hard times: what prospects for European social policy?, Liverpool: Liverpool University Press, 1992
With Black, D. Inequalities in health: the Black Report and the health divide, 3rd ed. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books, 1992
Unfinished statistical business?, Bristol: Department of Social Policy and Social Planning, University of Bristol, 1992
With Gordon, D. Unfinished statistical business on low incomes?: a review of new proposals by the Department of Social Security for the production of public information on poverty, Bristol: Statistical Monitoring Unit, Dept. Social Policy and Social Planning, University of Bristol, 1992
Meaningful statistics on poverty 1991, Bristol: Dept. Social Policy and Social Planning, University of Bristol, 1991
The poor are poorer, a statistical report on changes in the living standards of rich and poor in the UK 1979–1989, Bristol: SMU, Dept. Social Policy and Soc. Planning, University of Bristol, 1991
With Phillimore, P. and Beattie, A. Health and deprivation: inequality and the North, London, New York: Croom Helm, 1988
With Walker, R. and Lawson, R. Responses to poverty: lessons from Europe, London: Heinemann Educational Books, 1984
Why are the many poor?, London: Fabian Society, 1984
With Walker, A. Disability in Britain: a manifesto of rights, Oxford: Martin Robertson, 1981
With Bosanquet, N. Labour and equality: a Fabian study of Labour in power, 1974–79, London: Heinemann, 1980
Poverty in the United Kingdom: a survey of household resources and standards of living, Harmondsworth: Penguin Books, 1979
With Lewis, P. Inflation and low incomes, London: Fabian Society, 1975
With Bosanquet, N. (eds.) Labour and inequality: sixteen Fabian essays, London: Fabian Society, 1972
The concept of poverty: working papers on methods of investigation and life-styles of the poor in different countries, London: Heinemann Educational, 1971
The fifth social service: a critical analysis of the Seebohm Proposals, London: Fabian Society, 1970
With Reddin, M. and Kaim-Caudle P. Social services for all?, London: Fabian Society, 1968
Poverty, socialism, and Labour in power, London: Fabian Society, 1967
The last refuge: a survey of residential institutions and homes for the aged in England and Wales, London: Routledge and K. Paul, 1962
The family life of old people: an inquiry in East London, London: Routledge, 1957

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Peter Townsend Sociologist" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about peter_townsend_sociologist while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

adelaide

idolatry

stanford encyclopedia of philosophy

istiqlal mosque jakarta

orange home florida

vilseck

telcom somalia

general motors ls-based small-block engine

2012 rogers cup– men's doubles

bucharest light rail

References

"First Report of The Council for Training in Social Work, 1962-1964"; Kendal Archive, WC/W/A1568/Box 19/W/6/4

economics.about.com Accessed 18 June 2008.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Peter Townsend (sociologist) Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional sociological analysis, policy consultation, or academic research. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified experts for specific applications or interpretations of social science concepts.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Peter Townsend: A Sociological Lens

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Life and Education 🎓

🏫 Early Life and Education

💍 Personal Life

Career and Advocacy 💼

🤝 Commitment to Social Justice

✊ Founding Key Organizations

🏛️ Academic Roles

Seminal Contributions 💡

⚖️ Defining Relative Poverty

⚙️ Townsend Inefficiency

Poverty and Exclusion 🌍

📊 Measuring Deprivation

🌍 Global Perspective

Economic Concepts 💰

🤔 The Nature of Townsend Inefficiency

Passing and Legacy 🕊️

💔 Final Years

🏆 Honoring His Work

Selected Publications 📖

📚 Key Works

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Life and Education

Early Life and Education

Personal Life

Career and Advocacy

Commitment to Social Justice

Founding Key Organizations

Academic Roles

Seminal Contributions

Defining Relative Poverty

Townsend Inefficiency

Poverty and Exclusion

Measuring Deprivation

Global Perspective

Economic Concepts

The Nature of Townsend Inefficiency

Passing and Legacy

Final Years

Honoring His Work

Selected Publications

Key Works

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice