Life on a low income in austere times:

by Irn Bru Fri Jun 20, 2014 8:48 am

Life Stories is based on the PSE UK qualitative research into ‘Understanding experiences of low income during recession’. 62 video testimonies were collected during 2012-2013, in Birmingham, Glasgow and Gloucestershire. We present some of the emerging findings from the research in two films: ‘Life on a low income in austere times’.

Life on a low income in austere times: Part 1 details the real choices that the rising cost of living impose on low income households and the items and activities people are forced to go without. Participants also explain the impacts of cuts to services that they have observed within their communities and the consequences for already fragile household budgets.

Life on a low income in austere times: Part 2 documents the emotional impacts of low income. Participants discuss the embarrassment and guilt of not being able to afford things that others take for granted. The stigma of claiming benefits and services, as well as the stigmatising impact of media debates and portrayal of benefits claimants are also detailed.

22% of adults feel embarrassed because of their low income.

http://www.poverty.ac.uk/living-poverty/life-stories