Books:
* The Moral Basis of a Backward Society (1958): This book, based on his fieldwork in Montegrano, Italy, argued that a "present-oriented" mindset, prioritizing immediate gratification over long-term planning, is a key factor in poverty. It sparked significant debate and criticism for its generalizations about Southern Italy and its implications for social policy.
* The Unheavenly City: The Nature and Consequences of Urbanization (1970): This book explored the challenges of urban life, arguing that the concentration of diverse populations in cities leads to increased social problems like crime and poverty. It further advocated for policies promoting individual responsibility and self-reliance.
* What Went Wrong? (1979): In this book, Banfield critiqued the "liberal" approach to poverty reduction, arguing that welfare programs create dependency and disincentivize individual effort. He favored "conservative" solutions like job creation and education.
Other works:
* "The Ecology of Politics" (1961)
* "Political Influence" (1962)
* "Government of the Metropolis" (1969)
* "The Democratic Party" (1973)
Key concepts and ideas:
* "Present-oriented" mindset: The idea that individuals in impoverished communities prioritize immediate gratification over future planning and investment.
* "The Amorality of Poverty": The argument that poverty fosters a lack of moral compass, leading to irresponsible behavior and disregard for societal norms.
* "The Importance of Individual Responsibility": Banfield emphasized the role of individual choices and effort in overcoming poverty, often criticized for its lack of emphasis on systemic factors.
It's crucial to note that Banfield's work has been met with considerable controversy. His generalizations about poverty and his emphasis on individual responsibility have been criticized as oversimplified and insensitive, overlooking the complex social and economic factors contributing to poverty. Nevertheless, his works remain significant for their influence on political thought and their contribution to the ongoing debate about poverty and its solutions.