Understanding Poverty

I have been trying to learn more about poverty over the last few weeks. The book I am currently reading on the subject is “A Framework for Understanding Poverty” by Dr. Ruby Payne. Here are a few things I have learned so far.

Typically poverty is thought of in terms of financial resources only. While financial resources are obviously important, the ability to leave poverty is more dependent on other resources than it is upon financial resources. The other resources that play an enormous role are:

1. Spiritual Resources. The belief that help can be obtained from God. That there is a purpose for living, and that worth and love are gifts from God. It’s the belief that you are not helpless or worthless.

2. Emotional Resources. These provide the stamina to withstand difficult and uncomfortable emotional situations and feelings.

3. Mental Resources. This is about being able to process information and use it in daily living. If an individual can read, write, and compute they have a huge advantage!

4. Physical Resources. Simply having a body that works, is capable and mobile.

5. Support Systems as Resources. Having someone to go to when help is needed that is available and helpful.

6. Role Model Relationships. Having nurturing and appropriate role models to guide and direct.

7. Knowledge of Hidden Rules. Dr. Payne talks a lot about this in her book, as crucial to whatever class in which an individual wishes to live. She sited as an example three hidden rules in poverty: the noise level is high, the most important information is non-verbal, and one of the main values of an individual to the group is an ability to entertain.

To move out of poverty one needs resources in each of these seven areas. I am encouraged that we are addressing the majority of these resources listed above in the Friends of North Richmond initiative!