GPP Week 1a-Explanations of Poverty and Development

Question 1

dominant narratives

Answer 1

-used to describe the lens in which history is told by perspective of dominant culture
-invisible, automatic mindset
-ex) key element to the “American Dream” - if you work hard enough, you can succeed

Question 2

dominant narratives of poverty (individualistic and behavioral view)

Answer 2

-emphasize that poor in the West are unworthy (lazy, greedy, criminal, irresponsible, childlike)
both individualistic and behavioral view:

-individualistic view: (supporting yourself financially and not depending on anyone else for your needs) ex: gov’t allowing citizens to be responsible for their own retirement instead of relying on social security

-behavioral view: all behaviors acquired through conditioning (if you work hard, you will land a good job) - if you don’t, you’re the reason you’re poor

Question 3

incentives for better individual “behavior”

Answer 3

incentives: something that makes someone want to do something or work harder
ex) extra money offered to those employees who work extra hours, job incentives to receive benefits, “means” tests, punishment, probation, parole etc

Q: how are punishment, probation etc an incentive? isn’t that a punishment?

Question 4

structural factors of poverty

Answer 4

poverty in US at 17.3% - Denmark (lowest) - @ 6.1%

relative poverty rate: share of individuals living in households with incomes below half of household-size-adjusted median income

median household income today:

poverty rates: based on income after taxes and transfers