In order to design, enact, and protect poverty alleviation policies in developing countries, we must first understand the psychology of how the poor react to their plight, and not just the psychology of the privileged called upon for sacrifice. This book integrates social and psycho-dynamic psychology, economics, policy design, and policy-process theory to explore ways to follow through on successful poverty-alleviation initiatives, while averting destructive conflict. Using eight case studies across Latin America, Southeast Asia, and South Asia, William Ascher examines successes and failures in helping the poor through affirmative action, cash transfers, social-spending targeting, subsidies, and regional development. In doing so, he demonstrates how social identities, attributions of deservingness, and perceptions of the policy process shape both the willingness to support pro-poor policies and the conflict that emerges over distributional issues.

‘In this ground-breaking book, Professor Ascher applies social identity theory and other psychological insights to the problem of garnering and maintaining political support for policies to reduce poverty. In the current context of intensifying political polarization, this book is essential reading for academics, political leaders, and policymakers.'

Judith Teichman - University of Toronto

‘Redistributive policies create winners and losers. This tour de force by Professor Ascher examines key redistributive policies for poverty alleviation – among them affirmative action, cash transfers, and social spending. Ascher demonstrates what makes these policies acceptable to key stakeholders, as well as what generates resistance and spark into conflicts. An instant classic, it will long be read and discussed by students and scholars of social policies.'

Arun Agrawal - University of Michigan

‘Ascher is a scholar advocate for redistributive policies that blunt the harsh edges of capitalism by giving it a humanistic surface. The theoretical arguments and case studies in this volume make the best possible case for that viewpoint.'

Michael Lofchie - University of California, Los Angeles

‘If you want to understand how psychological insights inform and help shape successful policies to reduce poverty, this is the book for you. Using case studies from a multitude of countries in the developing world, Ascher provides a succinct and useful set of policy recommendations that serve as a guide for those of us working towards sustainable economic growth, poverty alleviation, reducing hunger and inclusivity of all groups. This book is a must read for all development professionals.'

Michael Curtis - United States Agency for International Development

‘This book provides an eloquent and seamless synthesis of insights from psychology, sociology, political science and policy sciences to illuminate the many reasons why pro-poor policies may succeed in some settings and fail in others. It steadfastly avoids sweeping and unsupportable generalizations, instead using carefully chosen case studies to illustrate the interplay of these factors in the design, implementation and fate of common pro-poor policy instruments in developing countries. It will interest and inspire academics with a theoretical or practical bent as well as policy makers and policy shapers in governments, donor organizations and civil society. With this impressive work, Professor Ascher has done a great service to the legions of people and organizations committed to policy alleviation but frustrated by the limited success, unsustainability or abject failure of so many efforts. May it be widely read and pressed into service by these people and organizations.'

David Pelletier - Cornell University

‘The text offers a practical and useful set of policy recommendations, not only to mitigate poverty but also to promote sustainable economic growth, reduce hunger, and achieve inclusivity across all groups … Recommended.’

R. M. Ramazani Source: Choice Magazine