Cycles of Disadvantage
Michael Rutter and Nicola Madge (1976)
London: Heinemann
Who are the most disadvantaged in our society and how can they be identified? Do personal, familial and social problems recur generation after generation within the same family, geographical location or social group? And is a person, once disadvantaged, likely to remain so for the rest of his life? Furthermore, in what ways and to what extent are different types of disadvantage found together?
In their thorough and detailed review of a large body of inter-disciplinary research undertaken in Britain and in other parts of the world, Michael Rutter and Nicola Madge consider to what extent Cycles of Disadvantage exist. A wide range of issues are discussed including low income, inadequate housing, poor school performance, psychiatric disorder, patterns of parenting and racial discrimination. There is a focus not only on who suffers and when, but also on why disadvantage occurs.
This book provides a unique account of findings and concepts relevant to the question of why psychosocial disadvantage persists. It is an invaluable tool for both administrators and practitioners, and an indispensable source book for university students and teachers in a wide range of disciplines within the social sciences.