Conceptualizing ‘precarious prosperity’: ...

Empirical and theoretical elements for debate

an article by Monica Budowski, Wiebke Keim and Michèle Amacker (University of Fribourg, Switzerland) and Robin Tillmann (Centre of Expertise in Social Sciences (FORS), Switzerland) published in International Journal of comparative Sociology Volume 51 Issue 4 (August 2010)

Abstract
Empirical studies have recently pointed towards a socio-structural category largely overlooked in social inequality research: the dynamic positions of households adjacent to those of the poor and yet not representing those of the established, more prosperous positions in society. These results suggest that the population in this category fluctuates into and out of poverty more often than moving into and out of secure prosperity. This category – still lacking theoretical conceptualisation – is characterised by both precariousness and a certain degree of prosperity; despite a restricted and uncertain living standard it holds a range of opportunities for action. We seek analytical elements to conceptualise ‘precarious prosperity’ for comparative empirical research by subjecting various concepts of social inequality research to critical scrutiny. We then operationally define ‘precarious prosperity’ to screen for this population in three countries. Based on qualitative interviews with households in precarious prosperity, we present first analyses of perceptions and household strategies that underline the relevance of the concept in different countries.

Hazel’s comment:
This is an interesting view of inequality – that those on the edge of poverty cross the line into and out of prosperity with a regularity that makes the prosperity precarious and short-lived. The concept implies that an increase in income has allowed some clearing of debt and possible increase in living standards which then results in falling below the poverty line again.

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