Poverty, Charity and 'Doing the Double' - Studies in Cash and Care

In Poverty, Charity and 'Doing the Double' the authors present data from two research projects conducted in Belfast. Taken together, the data demonstrates the increasing difficulties faced by households dependent on state benefits in making ends meet, the inadequacy of alternative sources of support and the dynamics of benefit fraud. In particular, the book explores the long-term consequences for claimants of the social fund, the extent to which this has resulted in a greater reliance on aid from other family members and charitable aid and claimants? perceptions of the adequacy and acceptability of support from these sources. In addition, the book presents data from one of the projects on benefit fraud ? 'doing the double' as it is known in Northern Ireland. The authors argue that this option has been rendered more attractive as a result of the combined effects of the 1988 restructuring of benefits and the push towards a deregulated labour market. The book therefore contributes to central debates of current significance in social policy and should be of interest to students, practitioners and policy-makers.