This master’s paper first presents some of the principal theories and concepts developed by the poverty researchers Rowntree, Titmuss, Townsend, Sen and Lister. These theoretical frameworks are then related to two documents from the EU and Sweden concerning combating poverty and social exclusion, bearing on the establishment of the ‘Year 2010 against Poverty’. Finally, I discuss the value in practice of these theories and policy documents, as regards reducing poverty in Europe. It has become clear in this investigation that the theories and concepts from earlier research are still relevant to the formulation of contemporary policy programmes, and that earlier research helps us to avoid old traps in fighting poverty. Central terms, perspectives and theories in this thesis are ‘absolute’ and ‘relative’ poverty, inequality of social structures, human rights and wellbeing, the capability for overcoming poverty, the multidimensional nature of poverty, and the need for a future woman-friendly and cosmopolitan citizenship. The two policy documents contain different perspectives; such as rights, gender equality, integration and accessibility perspectives, together with the underlying empowerment perspective. In addition, the multidimensional nature of poverty is strongly emphasised. Policy documents have a limitation to their political and economic frames, and in order to avoid this, researchers should have a more active involvement in policy formulation, basically as in the case of official inquiries. Goal-oriented cooperation between policy, research and poor people themselves is crucial to achieving the reduction of poverty in Europe.

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