This book thus takes issue with the characterisation of the South African state as "developmental". The crucial aspect of care is missing from the practice for this to be the case. Thus, while the grants address the immediate survival needs of many South Africans, social justice requires quite a different approach, an approach of care that would grant agency and dignity to recipients.

Hochfeld adopts a highly personal narrative style of writing that reflects the ethical standpoint that she took during her research. This book falls into the fields of development studies, and social welfare, and social development.