Virtual Conversation: La Cause des Pauvres en France

Frédéric Viguier traces the history of La Cause des pauvres en France – the defense of the poor people’s rights in France since 1945. He describes efforts by organizations such as ATD Quart Monde and the Federation working on behalf of inhabitants living in temporary camps and cites de transit (Fédération des acteurs de la solidarité dans les campements et les cités de transit) to defend the rights of poor people before public officials, the media, and the academic community. His book also examines how the fight against poverty has been transformed since the 19th century from a social policy of inclusion to a stigmatizing view of individuals seen as too lazy to look for work.