EconTalk Mauricio Miller on Poverty, Social Work, and the Alternative
May 6, 2019
Mauricio Miller, a poverty activist and MacArthur genius grant recipient, shares his insights on escaping poverty through self-determination and community support. He challenges the stereotypes surrounding poverty, emphasizing resilience and agency. Miller advocates for innovative approaches to social work that empower families, highlighting the role of community involvement. He also discusses the concept of 'positive deviants' who inspire change and the importance of technology in fostering collaboration among families. Investing in community potential, he argues, can lead to transformative social change.
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Stereotypes Harm Solutions
- People often rely on stereotypes when they don't know a population.
- Stereotypes about poverty often blame the poor, hindering effective solutions.
Rejecting Extreme Views on Poverty
- Two flawed views exist: the poor are lazy or they are helpless victims.
- Mauricio Miller rejects both, emphasizing the poor's resourcefulness amid difficult circumstances.
Poverty's Fluidity
- The notion of permanent poverty is a misconception; mobility exists.
- Many people move in and out of poverty, highlighting its often temporary nature.
