Originally published in 1980, this book presents a detailed empirical analysis of the key dimensions of inequality and poverty in Wales, discussing such aspects as the distribution of income and wealth, the housing situation, the functioning of the NHS and urban deprivation. Wales emerges as a country severely disadvantaged in relation to much of the rest of Britain. Moreover, the extent of inequalities within Wales is also striking. In the second part of the book each contributor applies a particular theoretical perspective to an aspect of the situation discussed in the first part. The perspectives adopted are diverse, ranging from Keynesianism, through dual labour markets to dependency theory and Marxist analysis. Each essay emphasises the importance of locating our understanding of poverty and social inequality in the context of the patterns of economic development in Wales and in the functioning of the State apparatus.