Talking Poverty in the Age of Piketty: A Survey

Communicating about poverty is complicated. Share your thoughts on the causes of poverty and challenges facing low-income families — as well as your own challenges in talking about solutions to reduce poverty and inequality.

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* 1. Thinking about the issue of poverty, which do you agree with most?

Poverty is a problem that will always exist

Poverty is a solvable problem

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* 2. What is the best reason for why it is important to reduce poverty?

It is the right thing to do.

It is my responsibility.

It strengthens the American economy and workforce.

It strengthens children and their families.

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* 3. Which of the following best describes why poverty exists?

Poverty exists because it is difficult for people to move up from one economic class to another.

Poverty exists because people get stuck in a cycle that often passes from generation to generation.

Poverty exists because people make irresponsible decisions.

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* 4. Which word or phrase best describes people living in poverty?

Disadvantaged

In need

Less fortunate

Low-income

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* 5. When it comes to reducing poverty, which is more important?

Providing families with economic opportunity

Providing families with financial stability

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* 6. Thinking about reducing poverty, which is more important?

Supporting families by providing the resources they need to take care of their family

Giving families the tools they need to take care of their family

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* 7. Which is the most convincing reason why children need to be raised in a supportive and positive environment from an early age?

The first years of a child’s life are critical in determining whether his or her growing brain has a strong foundation or a fragile one. Research has found that chronic stress can have harmful effects on healthy child development. Growing up under difficult conditions creates an enormous amount of stress, which has long-term consequences for all future learning. Fortunately, children who do not receive the stimulation and care they need for healthy growth and development early on can catch up — if they receive the necessary support services.

Research has also shown that the stress of poverty can compromise parents’ ability to help their children thrive. Today organizations are taking a different approach that recognizes the importance of reaching these parents, reducing their stress, and helping them develop their caregiving and professional skills. To be a good parent and worker you need to develop important skills such as self-control and the ability to put important things first. Empowering parents to develop these skills will help them create a better environment for their children.

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* 8. What are the biggest challenges you face when communicating about the issue of poverty?

Getting adults to empathize with individuals and families affected by poverty

Identifying the right language to describe the challenges families affected by poverty face

Developing messages that do not place blame on families affected by poverty

Encouraging discussions on inequality that do not alienate middle- or high-income individuals

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* 9. When communicating about the issue of poverty, which audience do you most often communicate to?

Policymakers

Elected officials

Community leaders

General public

Public agencies and systems

Other (please specify)

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* 10. Which is more difficult to describe?

The problems of poverty

The solutions to poverty