Conceptualizing "precarious prosperity" for comparative research

In: Inequality beyond globalization: economic changes, social transformations, and the dynamics of inequality, S. 201-222

Abstract

Recent empirical research suggests that there is a population segment located in the vicinity of the socio-structural category of the poor in both industrial and developing societies that is characterized by mobility into and out of poverty as well as opportuni-ties for agency. This position of 'non-poverty' (or inconsistent poverty if measured by income and standard of living) has not yet been theoretically conceptualized for com-parative research. In this chapter the authors subject various concepts in poverty and inequality research, their theoretical backgrounds and ideological and political implications to critical scrutiny in search of analytical elements for these empirical findings. The authors find that the reviewed concepts have strong political and ideological implications and reflect national scholarly traditions. They presuppose homogeneous societies and/or transmit a dualistic view of society. Inequalities and dynamic processes are blended out. The concept 'precarious prosperity', emerging from empirical research, appears to be useful to analyze this structural category. 'Precarious prosperity' represents a paradox: it simultaneously refers to a critical dynamic or uncertain situation (precarious) and a certain level of material well-being or income (prosperity) that allows for opportunities of agency and for setting priorities, yet lacking financial reserves to buffer unexpected shocks or invest rapidly in upcoming opportunities. Conceptualizing 'precarious prosperity' allows linking research on this socio-structural category, in which the (lower) middle classes, but not only these, are located, more tightly to social inequality research.