Generational Poverty Causes Poverty to Become a Mindset
Generational poverty is one of the awful legacies left by this country being built based on a slavery system. Generational poverty is a family living in poverty for two or more generations. Research shows that between 17 percent (white families) and 42 percent (black families) of those born into poverty will remain in poverty for another generation. Research also shows that those who escape generational poverty only become slightly less poor.
Why is this? Do these families lack the ability to invest money in personal growth? Do you think a family living in a generational poverty situation sees personal growth as a luxury? If you can’t invest in personal growth, can you grow or does it hinder your growth? I say yes to all of the above.
The current state of society makes investing in personal growth a luxury. The only way to truly grow as a person is through mentoring and coaching. What’s more, mentoring and coaching is not something those experiencing generational poverty have access to on any normalized basis.
It’s not something public schools typically deal with. To get this in school, you have to attend a private school or a public school in a high-income community. It’s also not something employers invest in for minimum-wage and low-wage employees either. In order to get this at work, you must be designated a high potential employee.
Other than that, you must invest thousands of dollars a year in coaching, conferences, and education. A cost that low-income earners can’t afford on their own. Therefore, middle and upper class earners with disposable income are the only ones getting help growing beyond their basic survival needs.
Poverty and Personal Growth
According to the US Census Bureau, in 2017, there were 39.7 million Americans living in poverty or 12.3% of the population. Their definition of poverty is a family of 4 making less than $24,858.
On the other hand, Pew Research Center analysis of government data finds that 29% of adults lived in lower-income households. While low-income may not exactly equate to poverty, Pew’s research suggest that the Census Bureau’s definition of poverty is faux. It’s a better measure to define poverty comparatively. Using Pew’s calculator updated with 2016 data, a family of 4 making less than $50,256 in Metro Atlanta is basically poor.
My theory is that for this 29% of the population, pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps when it comes to personal growth is very unlikely. This 29% of the population will never get on a path to maximize their potential without intentional help. Not just the typical anti-poverty programs such as workforce, nutrition, housing, and health care assistance. These programs are obviously necessary and helpful. However, I’m talking about help growing beyond the basic needs for survival.
Personal Growth For Those Who Can’t Afford it – What’s the solution?
First, I believe the philanthropic and non-profit communities must come together to fund programs in this area. Right now there aren’t many programs addressing anything beyond basic needs. It’s clear that these basic needs are a priority. However, completely ignoring the growth mindset needed to reach one’s full potential is a missed opportunity. Exposure is often the key to create ambition.
Next, I believe employers should move beyond high potential employee programs. Employers should start providing personal growth coaching programs for a wider population. This population must include low-wage and minimum-wage employees.
Finally, I think there is a need for the public educational system to direct more resources to growth mindset related activities. Right now, the priorities of schools are all wrong. Public schools are moving far too many resources towards teaching computer science in the K-12 educational system. I believe those resources would provide a better ROI if directed towards teaching life skills, financial skills, entrepreneurship, and personal growth concepts instead.