A poverty line of $6.85 a day, as used by the World Bank, indicates a substantial level of deprivation, impacting the lives of billions globally. Indeed, nearly half of the World’s population falls into this category. So, if poverty is something we all want to see less of, why does it prove so difficult to tackle and can empathy help fix it?
Being at the sharp end of disadvantage is shameful, reduces brainpower, and hampers positive action. It increases crime, burdens healthcare systems and raises taxpayers’ bills. With millions around the world struggling to make ends meet and increased socioeconomic uncertainty making poverty a more probable prospect for many more, tackling poverty has never been more urgent.
In this special podcast, IDS Research Fellow Stephen Devereux is in conversation with Keetie Roelen, Senior Research Fellow from the Open University and IDS Research Associate who talks about her book, The Empathy Fix: Why Poverty Persists and How to Change it.
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In the podcast, Keetie exposes the realities of poverty and reveals why current policies don’t work. She provides listeners with the tools to relate to poverty, realise why current interventions often don’t work, and to respond to the situation in a way that gives everyone a sense of dignity and agency.
Among the questions Keetie answers include:
- Can empathy really fix poverty and is empathy enough on its own to contribute to the eradication of poverty?
- Do we suffer a collective empathy deficit that hurts us all and as collectives, how do we demonstrate our empathy?
In the podcast, Keetie exposes the realities of poverty – with examples from the global North and South – and reveals why current policies don’t work. This podcast is a must-listen for those working and studying in issues around poverty – particularly in today’s world with rising inequalities – and through empathy, we can all contribute to a more equal society.
About the interviewee
Keetie Roelen works as a Senior Research Fellow and Co-Deputy Director at the Centre for the Study of Global Development at The Open University, the largest university in the UK, and is Honorary Associate at IDS. She is also founder and host of the podcast Poverty Unpacked, exploring the hidden sides of poverty in conversation with a broad range of experts.
Keetie has a PhD in Public Policy and has been working in the field of poverty, social policy, and international development for nearly two decades. Keetie has widely published in academic journals and books, and her work has featured in media such as the Guardian and BBC World Service. She has spoken about how to address poverty to multiple audiences, ranging from government ministers at the UN and MPs in UK parliament to students and activists.
About the interviewer
Dr Stephen Devereux is a development economist working predominantly on food security, famine, rural livelihoods, social protection and poverty reduction issues. His research experience has mainly been in eastern and southern Africa, especially Ethiopia, Malawi and Namibia.
About the Between the Lines podcast
This podcast series explores ground-breaking ideas in development for positive social and environmental change. Each month we feature an interview with an expert in international development who will talk about their latest research and ideas.
Episodes content could feature authors of new books, IDS research or interviews with special guest stars.
The discussions give an insight on the themes covered, exploring the challenges and discoveries, and why the issues matter for progressive and sustainable development globally.
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