The characterization of the new poor and the processes towards new forms of exclusion

Abstract

This article presents the characterization of the new poverty showing the traits of realities of labour exclusion with particular characteristics against traditional poverty as well as the biographical processes that involve multidimensional and heterogeneous dynamics whose starting point is unemployment or job insecurity. In order to study profiles and biographical paths, qualitative methodology is used through the technique of in-depth interviews conducted to key informants (assistance organisations) and the group of individuals affected. Results show the extension of segments characterized by unexpected poverty from normalization with vital processes such as long-term unemployment, breakups and separations, or diseases. During the process, some aspects stand out: the heterogeneity with greater presence of families with family burdens, the invisibility due to the failure of resorting to social services, and the feeling of trauma for the professional advice and the helplessness with the feeling of being alone because of social abandonment.