The Shame Game: Overturning the Toxic Poverty Narrative

Drawing on a two-year multi-platform initiative, this book by award-winning journalist and author Mary O'Hara, asks how we can overturn the fundamentally pernicious portrayal of poverty once and for all.

What does it mean to be poor in Britain and America? For decades the primary narrative about poverty in both countries is that it has been caused by personal flaws or ‘bad life decisions’ rather than policy choices or economic inequality. This misleading account has become deeply embedded in the public consciousness with serious ramifications for how financially vulnerable people are seen, spoken about and treated. Drawing on a two-year multi-platform initiative, this book by award-winning journalist and author Mary O'Hara, asks how we can overturn this fundamentally pernicious portrayal once and for all. Crucially, she turns to the real experts to try to find answers - the people who live it

‘A necessary book in divisive times.’ - Jameela Jamil, actress and activist

‘An exceptional book…a must read and so relevant to the times we are living in now.’ - Nursing Times

Listen to Mary O'Hara on Jonathon Van Ness’ Getting Curious podcast episode here.