This book addresses the link between the theoretical notion of dignity as a primary social good and its material expressions in daily life from comparative social anthropological and historical perspectives. The empirical analysis is based on more than 100 in-depth interviews with lone mothers living in different cultural settings in Costa Rica. In addition, a unique and innovative national social policy measure aimed at promoting dignity and self-worth as a means to exit poverty and secure sustainable development is assessed.

Monica Budowski is professor of social work and social policy...