Abstract

This book celebrates the life and work of Peter Townsend. It builds on the foundations that he laid in various fields and applies his myriad insights to contemporary policy debates. The book reflects Peter's triple contributions to teaching, research and campaigning, which were all, in essence, concerned with combating poverty, inequality and social injustice. It comprises a rallying call to defeat these evils and to create a better, more cohesive society. It is also a reminder of why there is a welfare state and why the case for it must be repeated constantly alongside critiques of its failings and constructive proposals for improvement.