A Chinese Beggars' Den: Poverty and Mobility in an Underclass Community

By David C. Schak

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0822985691
• ISBN13: 9780822985693
• Release Date: February 1988
• Publisher: University of Pittsburgh Press
• Length: 264 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"