One of the most well-researched, interesting and relevant historical studies of a period that I have ever read. Ambitious, but achieves all of its aimOne of the most well-researched, interesting and relevant historical studies of a period that I have ever read. Ambitious, but achieves all of its aims.
-1 star for perhaps excessive description/detail?...more
Firstly, the praise I have for this book- for somebody who, as McGarvey himself states from the beginning, struggles with reading, this book was writtFirstly, the praise I have for this book- for somebody who, as McGarvey himself states from the beginning, struggles with reading, this book was written with clarity and precision. . His own personal stories were heart-wrenching and his attitude towards his family and his own child demonstrated maturity. It's not that I disagreed with everything in this book either; I agree that taking control of your own habits and personal problems can be extremely empowering.
Despite this, I feel that 'Poverty Safari' was a misjudged examination of the causes and solutions to poverty. McGarvey, in my view, correctly identified many of the issues in working-class communities, such as the lack of financial resources to community centres that help prevent antisocial behaviour, and the high levels of stress created as a result of constant financial battles. However, the book provided no insightful solutions to these issues, and instead seemed to tout a highly individualistic approach that suggested that self-discipline and personal insight can cure the ills that are, in reality, mostly created by a deeply dysfunctional social and economic system.
Moreover, despite discussing radical left movements such as the Pollok Free State and claiming to have been raised in radical left circles, McGarvey spouted a number of right-wing talking-points: personal responsibility (as aforementioned); criticism of 'woke'ness; and claiming that both major parties are just as responsible as one another. While he is entitled to his views, they seemed to clash with the radical left idea he had mentioned previously and his endorsement of the Pollok Free State. It is true, yes, that New Labour is not in touch with the party's working-class roots, and that some of its policies have also harmed the working class (eg. the introduction of tuition fees by Blair), but it is misguided to suggest that Labour and its policies are comparable to those of the Conservative Party, which have, throughout its history, protected elites. (For example, Benjamin Disraeli's reluctance to extend suffrage due to the possible threat to private ownership of land, and the wealth and profits of the aristocracy and industry leaders, as well as the ruthless cuts to benefits we have seen in the age of austerity, plunging many more into poverty). He is right that fighting poverty should not be a partisan issue, but it is entirely inaccurate to imply that one party does not have a much greater vested interest in the class divide, with over 2/3 of Boris Johnson's cabinet having attended a private school. I was also shocked by McGarvey's criticism of wokeism. Again, there are doubtless many things to criticise within these circles, but McGarvey seems to have fallen prey to the idea that only class is relevant, when in truth these identity factors play a role in our likelihood to live in poverty: women are more likely to live in poverty than men, and black people are far more likely to live in deprived neighbourhoods than white people. Getting bogged down in these right-wing talking points seemed to distract from the real message of the book.
Sometimes his arguments were downright ridiculous- while capitalism creates so many social ills, it has also created the internet where we can find free education and gyms where we can be healthy (even though many cannot afford such a luxury as a gym membership, or, due to high-hour, low-pay employment, simply do not have the spare time), we should not seek to deconstruct it?
Instead of reading this, I would instead recommend 'Chavs' by Owen Jones. I do so half-heartedly because, though 'Chavs' is one of the best books I have ever read, perhaps it is more 'palatable' to me because of my own background.
Nevertheless- McGarvey's honesty and admission he may be wrong was refreshing. His writing and personal story are impressive and I can see how it would be inspiring, but the attempts at social analysis unfortunately fatally let this book down....more
For fans of 'Drive Your Plough Over the Bones of the Dead' by Olga TocarczukFor fans of 'Drive Your Plough Over the Bones of the Dead' by Olga Tocarczuk...more
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