The Empathy Fix: Why Poverty Persists and How to Change it

by Keetie Roelen

'An important and necessary book' - Roman Krznaric

'This urgent book gives us renewed hope' - Natasha Carthew

The only way to truly tackle poverty? With empathy.

Poverty is bad for everyone - this is not news. It increases crime, burdens healthcare systems and raises taxpayers' bills. With increased economic uncertainty making poverty a more probable prospect for many, fixing inequality has never been more urgent.

In this eye-opening and revelatory book, writer and researcher Keetie Roelen proposes a simple solution accessible to us empathy.

The Empathy Fix promises a radical rethink of poverty, taking the reader inside its lived experience, the latest efforts to combat it, and arming them with the information needed to enact lasting social change.

Through empathy, we can all contribute to a more equal society.


'If you want to understand the reality of poverty, start by reading this book' - Olivier De Schutter

'A stellar piece of work from a seasoned researcher' - Mary O'Hara

'A unique, sensitively-crafted and much-needed book' - Sarah P Corbett

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2025

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book both challenging and moving. I found the stories from lived experience experts so helpful. Over the years I have become quite detached from the issues of poverty and have grown used to not really feeling like I have any compassion or empathy- this book has helped me to understand why that is. Keetie writes in such an accessible way. I would highly recommend the book - the challenge is refreshingly gentle and encouraging. Lots to chew over and digest!

[B.C. Rienties · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Empathy fix brings a personal and insightful narrative of the leading social protection researcher Dr Keetie Roelen of the Centre for the Study of Global Development at the Open University. She has over 20 years of research and practice expertise into poverty, including in countries like Burundi, Haiti, the Philippines, Vietnam, and the UK. While several current media narratives and policy makers "seem to blame" people in poverty for their own predicaments, in a touching and personal manner Keetie illustrates with accessible and nice stories how many of these people in poverty are substantially disadvantaged by the society they live in, and how they are able to overcome some or all of these setbacks. The Empathy fix provides several tools and approaches for people who want to become more empathetic towards people around them, and people in poverty in particular. In these complex times, who doesn’t want to become a bit more empathetic? An enjoyable and insightful read!

[Bethan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting international research but it was very much aimed at people who have clearly never considered the issue and I found it a bit patronising.

[Karol Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it! The empathy fix is an excellent and deeply engaging read. It offers a powerful exploration of why poverty persists, vividly capturing the daily struggles people face just to afford food, keep their homes warm, and make ends meet. What I found especially compelling is the way Keetie shows how living with so little consumes mental space and makes it harder to think clearly or plan ahead. I really appreciated the fresh and humanising angle she brings through empathy, reminding us that understanding and compassion are essential if we want real change.

[James Bell · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dull and just repeats the same stuff over and over. Quite unimpressive as a work, and doesn't really give you much more information than what the average person should already know, an exceptionally boring read as a result. I got about halfway and just gave up on it.