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It was the first day of seventh grade and I hid behind a palm tree that barely concealed me while I waited for the bus. Like every day of school, I showed up in a pair of clean, but well worn sneakers in an off brand and and a pair of hand me down jeans.
Since this was the first day of school, I would soon be faced with the ridicule and laughter from my peers, who all had new and often expensive outfits for the first day of school.
No matter how I tried to explain the ridicule I would face, expensive clothes and shoes, and new outfits for something as arbitrary as the first day of school, was not going to happen.
My parents, as first generation Americans, did not value the flash of new clothing, or material things, but valued dollars in the bank, and the security that a nest egg could provide to a family with growing children.
This thrifty mind set allowed for wealth building and provided opportunities later, however, on that dreary day I did not appreciate this.
Families view the allocation or resources and wealth very differently depending on culture and socio-economic factors. Generational poverty often results in resource allocation that can be puzzling to teachers – many who have grown up in the classic middle class family.
What is generational poverty?
Generational poverty is a complex and persistent issue where poverty is transmitted from one generation to the next. It’s not just about a lack of financial resources, but also encompasses a range of factors that trap families in a cycle of disadvantage.
It’s defined as a family having lived in poverty for at least two generations. This extended duration distinguishes it from situational poverty, which is often temporary.
What does someone in generational poverty prioritize as a resource?
Because resources are often scarce when people who live in generational poverty have money they will often spend it very quickly on expensive items, or lavish trips, often for family and friends. Such spending might seem short sighted to someone coming from an upper or middle class family but the following are things that foster community and social connection:
- Social Gatherings: Spending on social events and entertainment can be a way to connect with others and alleviate stress. [7]
- Electronics and Entertainment: Cell phones, TVs, and other electronics can provide a sense of escape and connection to the wider world. [8]
These expenditures can be seen as a way to cope with the challenges of poverty and maintain social connections, which are crucial for well-being. [9]
Often someone who is in generational poverty will spend a lot of money on a material possession or status symbol.
I have heard many upper or middle class parents comment that they would never spend the money that X does on y (Cell phone, shoes, etc.). However these same people often spend money are fancy cars, homes in prestigious neighborhoods, etc. These purchases can provide:
Clothing and Accessories: Visible symbols of status and success can be important for self-esteem and social acceptance. [10]
Luxury Items: Occasional splurges on non-essential items can provide a temporary sense of escape and pleasure. [11]
These spending patterns can be linked to a desire to combat feelings of powerlessness and low self-esteem that can accompany poverty. [12]
How does generational poverty affect the classroom?
Understanding that all families do not view any resource (time, money, education, etc.) in the same way, and understanding that these choices maybe different, but are meeting the emotional needs if individuals in different ways, is important.
For more information about Generational Poverty consider the resources below or search for Generational Poverty in the FREE Community.
Compassion International: They have a good overview of generational poverty and its impact on children: https://www.compassion.com/poverty/generational-poverty.htm
The Matthews House: This organization focuses on helping families break the cycle of poverty, and their website has information about generational poverty and education: https://www.thematthewshouse.org/generational-poverty-education/
Urban Ventures: This organization works in communities affected by poverty and has resources on their website about the facts and impact of generational poverty: https://urbanventures.org/facts-about-poverty
Brookings Institution: This research group has published articles and reports on intergenerational poverty and policy solutions: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/policies-that-reduce-intergenerational-poverty/
Citations:
[1] Edin, K., & Shaefer, H. L. (2015). $2.00 a day: Living on almost nothing in America. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
[2] Alisha Coleman-Jensen, et al. (2017). Household Food Security in the United States in 2016. United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service. 1
[3] Desmond, M. (2016). Evicted: Poverty and profit in the American city. Crown.
[4] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023). Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
[5] Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. (2015). Transportation Barriers to Economic Success.
[6] Mullainathan, S., & Shafir, E. (2013). Scarcity: Why having too little means so much. Times Books.
[7] Stack, C. B. (1974). All our kin: Strategies for survival in a Black community. Harper & Row.
[8] Pew Research Center. (2015). The smartphone difference.
[9] Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling alone: The collapse and revival of American community. Simon & Schuster.
[10] Bourdieu, P. (1984). Distinction: A social critique of the judgement of taste. Harvard University Press.
[11] Veblen, T. (1899). The theory of the leisure class: An economic study of institutions. Macmillan.
[12] Payne, R. K. (2005). A framework for understanding poverty. aha! Process, Inc
