framing a definition
In an effort to standardize and mobilize, the World Bank has defined poverty as living on less than $2 a day. They use this definition to set goals, group people together, and focus their interventions. I understand these needs, and I applaud them. According to their figures, more than 2/3 of the world's population is living in poverty. That's a staggering figure, but the reason I am bringing this up is to more properly frame what poverty is.
Poverty is a whole lot more than a measure of financial means. Using the financial means as a base, you can see that poverty means not having financial opportunities. Now, in a world that is based on economic transactions and exchange, that is a problem. But let's step outside of the financial circle for just a moment. Someone who does not have financial means may not have those means for a number of reasons: lack of opportunity, lack of confidence, lack of resources, lack of education, lack of networking, or even a lack of understanding. That's a whole lot of problems that can't be solved with one whack.
Which brings me to something I struggle with constantly: I want to help those who need help, but I would prefer that they self-define themselves as needing help. If I come in as an outsider and claim my expertise as knowing how to classify those in need, I am majorly overstepping the bounds of agency. HUGE PROBLEM. So, do you let those living in poverty situations (abusive homes, lack of eduction, unhealthy environments) decide that they need help when they might not even have a measure to realize they are in such situations? Or do you go in and educate them about how they SHOULD be living? You know, a little bit self-righteous: I really like how I live, and you should live like I do, so let me help you change your life to be like mine. Is that right?
Okay, another level: we all live in capitalism. Except North Korea, but even then, they have to deal with capitalism. So, the assumption is we all live in capitalism, which has shown that certain systems and procedures function better within the framework of capitalism than others. So sharing my knowledge of successfully implementing these systems and procedures is great, but then how do you measure results? Is it enough to share, or do you demand change? But then, the demanded change is kind of on the part of the client, and who am I to make that choice for him or her?
Too many questions. I will let them rest for now.
Poverty is a whole lot more than a measure of financial means. Using the financial means as a base, you can see that poverty means not having financial opportunities. Now, in a world that is based on economic transactions and exchange, that is a problem. But let's step outside of the financial circle for just a moment. Someone who does not have financial means may not have those means for a number of reasons: lack of opportunity, lack of confidence, lack of resources, lack of education, lack of networking, or even a lack of understanding. That's a whole lot of problems that can't be solved with one whack.
Which brings me to something I struggle with constantly: I want to help those who need help, but I would prefer that they self-define themselves as needing help. If I come in as an outsider and claim my expertise as knowing how to classify those in need, I am majorly overstepping the bounds of agency. HUGE PROBLEM. So, do you let those living in poverty situations (abusive homes, lack of eduction, unhealthy environments) decide that they need help when they might not even have a measure to realize they are in such situations? Or do you go in and educate them about how they SHOULD be living? You know, a little bit self-righteous: I really like how I live, and you should live like I do, so let me help you change your life to be like mine. Is that right?
Okay, another level: we all live in capitalism. Except North Korea, but even then, they have to deal with capitalism. So, the assumption is we all live in capitalism, which has shown that certain systems and procedures function better within the framework of capitalism than others. So sharing my knowledge of successfully implementing these systems and procedures is great, but then how do you measure results? Is it enough to share, or do you demand change? But then, the demanded change is kind of on the part of the client, and who am I to make that choice for him or her?
Too many questions. I will let them rest for now.
posted by Tricia at 11:57 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home