Copyright: 2001

ISBN: 0964743795

Bridges out of Poverty: Strategies for Professionals and Communities is an insightful and yet practical look into the world of poverty.  The premise of the book is that the culture of poverty is so different from the middle class and wealthy cultures that it is difficult for people living in the latter to help people out of the former.  Much of the content resonated with me and reminded me of my experience years ago in the Little Village area of Chicago. Having the benefit of hindsight, I can see where the principles and ideas of this book were in play, even though at 17 and 18 years old I lacked the knowledge to recognize them. 

What follows is raw material notes that I took while reading.  I apologize if they are not helpful for those who have not read the book but perhaps they will encourage you to get your hands on a copy, particularly if you are interested in working with the poor and less fortunate.

Key Points

  • Poverty is relative
  • Poverty occurs in all races and in all countries
  • Economic class is a continuous line
  • Generational poverty and situational poverty are different
  • This book is based on patterns.  Patterns have exceptions.
  • An individual brings with him / her the hidden rules of the class in which he or she is raised.
  • Schools and businesses operate from middle class norms and use the hidden rules of the middle class
  • For our clients to be successful we must understand their hidden rules and teach them the rules that can make them successful at school, at work and in the community.
  • We can neither excuse persons from poverty nor scold them for not knowing.  As professionals we must teach them and provide support, insistence and expectations.
  • Upward socioeconomic mobility requires giving up relationships for achievement (at least for some period of time)
  • We cannot blame the victims of poverty for being in poverty.
  • We cannot continue to support stereotypes and prejudices about the poor.

Notes

  • Emotional resources allow you to break patterns.  Role models are KEY to developing emotional resources.
  • Women are central in the poverty culture.  Relationships tend to be coping mechanisms.
  • Some reasons people leave poverty:
    1. Goal of vision
    2. Find a Sponsor
    3. Too painful to stay in poverty
    4. Special talent or ability provides a path out
  • Jail is not about change but rather penance and forgiveness.  This helps explain high rates of recidivism in the culture poverty.
  • Emotional responses determine behaviors
  • Leaving poverty is a process, not an event
  • Only 10% of the population will exhibit resiliency.  Before you dive into working with the poor, consider your success rate and whether or not you can handle it.

Conclusion

The notes here are somewhat sparse, mostly because of my past experience and how this helped me internalize the messages in this book.  Anyone working with folks in poverty should read this book, regardless of whether you are working with a 501c3, a ministry or just on a personal level.