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The Violence of Austerity
In the aftermath of the global financial crisis in 2008, Britain’s government put into effect a hotly contested series of major cuts in public expenditure with the stated aim of restoring economic security. Since then, this reign of austerity continues to devastate contemporary Britain through a disconnected and unaffected political elite.
In The Violence of Austerity, David Whyte and Vickie Cooper bring together the passionate voices of campaigners and academics to show that rather than stimulating economic growth, austerity policies have led to a dismantling of the social systems that operated as a buffer against economic hardship. Chapters from major contributors—including Danny Dorling, Mary O’Hara and Rizwaan Sabir—show how austerity is a form of institutional violence more socially harmful and far-reaching than other more politicized and publicized forms of violence, such as terrorism or gun violence. Contributors expose highly significant cases of this institutional violence driven by public sector cuts: police attacks on the homeless, violent evictions of the rented sector, risks faced by people on workfare, and more. The Violence of Austerity is a devastating, authoritative study of the myriad ways austerity policies harm people in Britain that will resonate with anyone concerned with the increasing power of the political elite and the future of social welfare.
In The Violence of Austerity, David Whyte and Vickie Cooper bring together the passionate voices of campaigners and academics to show that rather than stimulating economic growth, austerity policies have led to a dismantling of the social systems that operated as a buffer against economic hardship. Chapters from major contributors—including Danny Dorling, Mary O’Hara and Rizwaan Sabir—show how austerity is a form of institutional violence more socially harmful and far-reaching than other more politicized and publicized forms of violence, such as terrorism or gun violence. Contributors expose highly significant cases of this institutional violence driven by public sector cuts: police attacks on the homeless, violent evictions of the rented sector, risks faced by people on workfare, and more. The Violence of Austerity is a devastating, authoritative study of the myriad ways austerity policies harm people in Britain that will resonate with anyone concerned with the increasing power of the political elite and the future of social welfare.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published September 15, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
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August 16, 2018I flicked through it at work, with the exception of the chapter on the Northern Irish peace process which I read carefully. The tone of the book is very alarming, but it does not seem exaggerated. Sadly, it is faithful to the reality it describes. I wish it were otherwise.
July 12, 2018
Not as good as I was expecting... although I loved the breadth that was covered in the book - fave chapter about how austerity impacts women + women of colour.
October 29, 2025
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3.5 Stars
Feelings about the book:
- I really liked this book, although it's not as sharp as Austerity Bites or Austerity: The History of a Dangerous Idea.
Premise/Plot:
- A searing indictment against the UK government for their austerity policies. The Violence of Austerity is an anthology covering poverty, welfare and inequality.
Themes:
- 2008 financial crisis, austerity policy, neoliberalism, inequality, poverty and more.
Pros:
- Very accessible, a good introduction into the topic of austerity in the UK
Cons:
- Solutions aren't explored in detail
Quotes:
‘At its peak, the total debt owed by the banks to the UK taxpayer was £1.162 trillion.’
‘This façade of ‘togetherness’ has played a key part in the ideological making of austerity.’
‘Harvey claims that the transfer of state assets to private ownership always implies a process of dispossession and general loss of rights.’
‘Between October 2012 and the end of 2015, there were over 1.9 million decisions to sanction claimants. More people suffer financial penalties through benefit sanctions than fines in the magistrate courts. It is a state administered penal system without any transparency or accountability.’
‘We ask: why doesn’t austerity’s asymmetrical impacts on women of colour feature in the dominant understandings of austerity?’
‘Neoliberal reformers use austerity as a means of denigrating and marginalising government services as a viable solution to social problems.’
‘The government, acknowledging the use of aggressive practices, finally in 2014 introduced regulation aimed at barring bailiffs from using physical force against debtors.’
3.5 Stars
Feelings about the book:
- I really liked this book, although it's not as sharp as Austerity Bites or Austerity: The History of a Dangerous Idea.
Premise/Plot:
- A searing indictment against the UK government for their austerity policies. The Violence of Austerity is an anthology covering poverty, welfare and inequality.
Themes:
- 2008 financial crisis, austerity policy, neoliberalism, inequality, poverty and more.
Pros:
- Very accessible, a good introduction into the topic of austerity in the UK
Cons:
- Solutions aren't explored in detail
Quotes:
‘At its peak, the total debt owed by the banks to the UK taxpayer was £1.162 trillion.’
‘This façade of ‘togetherness’ has played a key part in the ideological making of austerity.’
‘Harvey claims that the transfer of state assets to private ownership always implies a process of dispossession and general loss of rights.’
‘Between October 2012 and the end of 2015, there were over 1.9 million decisions to sanction claimants. More people suffer financial penalties through benefit sanctions than fines in the magistrate courts. It is a state administered penal system without any transparency or accountability.’
‘We ask: why doesn’t austerity’s asymmetrical impacts on women of colour feature in the dominant understandings of austerity?’
‘Neoliberal reformers use austerity as a means of denigrating and marginalising government services as a viable solution to social problems.’
‘The government, acknowledging the use of aggressive practices, finally in 2014 introduced regulation aimed at barring bailiffs from using physical force against debtors.’
April 21, 2025
Although this book was first published in 2017, I believe it remains essential reading. For most readers, much of its content will feel like ‘preaching to the choir’, but it serves as a vital reminder of how history is repeating itself - particularly in the way the DWP has made claiming PIP even more difficult.
I’ve spoken to countless disabled people receiving PIP who feel suicide may be their only option. This book confirms that such tragedies have happened en masse before and could easily happen again. It offers a crucial history of how systemic oppression targets not just the complacent but also the most vulnerable in our society.
Every ounce of pain and violence inflicted on the British public is by design - all to line the pockets of the elite. This book will leave you annoyed af. The biggest con the government ever pulled off was swindling the British public into doing its job for them (Pay special attention to the chapter on Asylum seekers and the violence they face under that - and this- government.)
I’ve spoken to countless disabled people receiving PIP who feel suicide may be their only option. This book confirms that such tragedies have happened en masse before and could easily happen again. It offers a crucial history of how systemic oppression targets not just the complacent but also the most vulnerable in our society.
Every ounce of pain and violence inflicted on the British public is by design - all to line the pockets of the elite. This book will leave you annoyed af. The biggest con the government ever pulled off was swindling the British public into doing its job for them (Pay special attention to the chapter on Asylum seekers and the violence they face under that - and this- government.)
May 20, 2023
Well researched essays on different aspects of austerity implementation by UK government harming of the poor. Sickening lack of care for the disadvantaged to perpetuate capitalisms advantages for the privileged. Business profits must rule .
December 12, 2019
A brilliant and important book, however, it's telling of a society where a book like this has to exist.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews