A Chinese Beggars' Den

Download or read book A Chinese Beggars' Den written by David C. Schak and published by University of Pittsburgh Pre. This book was released on 2010-11-23 with total page 261 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this fascinating study of a community of Chinese beggars, David Schak offers evidence that challenges widely held theories on poverty. It is a path-breaking, systematic anthropological study that challenges long-held beliefs about poverty, and is one of the few works on beggars available. Over a period of seven years, Schak's fieldwork uncovers a structure of leadership, organizational methods, and alms-getting tactics. Moreover, certain members became upwardly mobile and able to leave this lifestyle. The severe stigma of gambling, adultery, and failure to marry proved the stimulus for a younger generation to leave begging behind.