Allen & Unwin UK scoops Dr Keetie Roelen book on tackling poverty

Allen & Unwin UK has scooped The Empathy Fix: Why Poverty Persists and How to Change It by Dr Keetie Roelen, a senior research fellow and co-deputy director of the Centre for the Study of Global Development at The Open University.

Editor Erika Koljonen bought world rights from Ciara Finan at Curtis Brown, and the book will be published in demy hardback, e-book and audiobook on 30th January 2025.

The synopsis states: "Poverty is bad for everyone: viewed as something shameful, it reduces brainpower and hampers positive action, as well as increasing crime, burdening healthcare systems and raising taxpayers’ bills. At a time of growing inequality, increased socioeconomic uncertainty and unacceptable levels of hardship, and with millions around the world struggling to make ends meet, tackling poverty has never been more urgent. But why is it so difficult to fix?"

The synopsis adds: "The Empathy Fix exposes the realities of poverty and reveals why policies don’t work. It shows what is needed to radically rethink current efforts to tackle poverty: empathy."

Roelen said: "I reveal how our attitudes and approaches to poverty often make things worse rather than help people live better lives. From labelling low-income individuals as lazy and inept to making poor families pay more for essentials, this book exposes the hidden and ugly truths of how we fail those in hardship around the world. But it isn’t all doom and gloom. Positive change is possible, and The Empathy Fix offers practical advice for how we can all tap into our innate ability to empathise and take action."

Koljonen added: "Keetie draws from her wealth of expertise and the latest research to show the realities of poverty on a truly global scale. Her in-depth discussion and analysis offers both individual readers and policymakers realistic and tangible solutions, as well as hope for the future."