Summary: Publisher Summary 1 This book presents a broad introduction to a historical understanding of child poverty, examining the relationship between the state and impoverished children in Britain since the beginning of the industrial revolution. In putting society's view of child poverty in a socio-historical context, Platt (sociology, University of Essex, UK) explains how the issue becomes politically important only under certain conditions and how this context shapes policy agenda. This text is part of the Studies in Poverty, Inequality, and Social Exclusion Series published in association with the Townsend Center for International Poverty Research at the University of Bristol. Annotation 漏2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)   Publisher Summary 2 Child poverty is currently regarded by many as the 'number one' issue in Britain. Yet it has not always been so high on the policy agenda. What were attitudes to poor children 200 years ago? How did child poverty emerge as both a quantifiable and urgent issue? And how did policy makers respond? These are the questions that this book tackles. The book:路[vbTab]presents a broad but sophisticated overview of 200 years of investigation into and responses to the plight of poor children;路[vbTab]identifies key moments and figures of the period;路[vbTab]includes chapters on children and work, education and child poverty research to provide the essential context for the story of the 'discovery' of child poverty.Clearly and accessibly written, this book provides a concise but richly detailed account of the subject. It will appeal to policy makers, practitioners, researchers and all those with an interest in child poverty wishing to understand the antecedents of current research and policy.Studies in poverty, inequality and social exclusion seriesSeries Editor: David Gordon, Director, Townsend Centre for International Poverty Research.Poverty, inequality and social exclusion remain the most fundamental problems that humanity faces in the 21st century. This exciting series, published in association with the Townsend Centre for International Poverty Research at the University of Bristol, aims to make cutting-edge poverty related research more widely available.For other titles in this series, please follow the series link from the main catalogue page.   Publisher Summary 3 This book charts key British developments in child welfare, child poverty research and state support for children from 1800 to the present day. With direct quotations from key sources, it argues that even in the face of clear evidence of hardship the response of policy makers to child poverty has been ambivalent.