Life in the debt trap

Sorcha Mahony is a senior researcher at The Children’s Society and leads a unique research programme on the experiences of young people growing up in poverty. Larissa Pople is a senior researcher at The Children’s Society where she leads the charity’s groundbreaking children’s wellbeing research programme. The Children’s Society is a national charity that works with the most vulnerable children and young people in Britain today. We listen. We support. We act. Because no child should feel alone. www.childrenssociety.org.uk

"A powerful and compelling account of family life in the context of problem debt. Required reading for people studying, working with, and most importantly making policies affecting low-income families." Gill Main, University of Leeds "This beautifully written, perceptive and reflexive study of debt is a testament to the power of stories, grounded in wider research and policy contexts. Please read it." Professor the Baroness Ruth Lister of Burtersett

• Preface: The origins of the bookIntroduction and methodological noteThe journeyIsolationLossLuxuries and necessitiesWho cares?The elephant in the room/consumerismGuiltThe OthersKeeping up appearancesThe childThe tyranny of the small thingsJugglingThe downside of helpThe debt premiumDreamsThe giftOur participantsConcluding reflections