This book builds the case for a comprehensive social security system to be developed in all countries – to eliminate desperate conditions of poverty, reverse growing inequality and sustain economic growth. It gives the history of the rich countries in meeting poverty and shows how the strategies in the poor countries can be greatly improved.

PETER TOWNSEND was Professor of International Social Policy, LSE, and Emeritus Professor of Social Policy, Bristol University. Over the course of a long career his research interests included international social policy, the sociology of poverty, inequalities in health, and ageing, disability and the family. His most recent publications include The Right to Social Security and National Development: Lessons from OECD Experience for Low-Income Countries (2007), Child Poverty in the Developing World (co-authored with David Gordon and others, 2003) and World Poverty: New Policies to Defeat an Old Enemy (co-editor, 2002). A tireless activist and campaigner, he was cofounder and president of the Disability Alliance, and a founding member and president of the Child Poverty Action Group up until his death in June 2009.