Policy Press

Life in the Debt Trap

Stories of Children and Families Struggling with Debt

By Sorcha Mahony and Larissa Pople

Published

May 23, 2018

Page count

136 pages

ISBN

978-1447341093

Dimensions

198 x 129 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

May 23, 2018

Page count

136 pages

ISBN

978-1447341109

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

May 23, 2018

Page count

136 pages

ISBN

978-1447341116

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press
Life in the Debt Trap

What is life like for families who are stuck in problem debt? Why do they fall into a spiral of debt in the first place, and why is it so hard to escape?

The first hand stories in this book offer a unique understanding of life for families and children fighting a daily battle against poverty and debt. They give voice to some of the most underrepresented people in society, who are too often portrayed cruelly in the media and elsewhere.

Drawing on research data collected through The Children’s Society’s Debt Trap campaign, this book explores the causes, implications and impacts of problem debt, challenges pejorative public attitudes and encourages more compassionate policy making to help families escape poverty and debt.

Sorcha Mahony is a senior researcher at The Children’s Society and leads a unique research programme on the experiences of young people growing up in poverty.

Larissa Pople is a senior researcher at The Children’s Society where she leads the charity’s groundbreaking children’s wellbeing research programme.

The Children’s Society is a national charity that works with the most vulnerable children and young people in Britain today. We listen. We support. We act. Because no child should feel alone. www.childrenssociety.org.uk

Preface: The origins of the book

Introduction and methodological note

The journey

Isolation

Loss

Luxuries and necessities

Who cares?

The elephant in the room/consumerism

Guilt

The Others

Keeping up appearances

The child

The tyranny of the small things

Juggling

The downside of help

The debt premium

Dreams

The gift

Our participants

Concluding reflections