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Poverty is a complex problem, and like all such problems,
it poses challenges even in terms of how it is framed.
A wide range of factors are involved, and stakeholders
have different perspectives and priorities, leading to
many different conceptions of poverty. The fuzziness stemming
from diverse approaches operating side by side can hamper
comprehensive, multisectoral initiatives in their efforts
to build effective partnerships, design poverty reduction
strategies, assess progress, and communicate their work
in ways that empower low-income households and mobilize
support for poverty reduction efforts.
Tempting as it is to make the poverty challenge more
manageable by simplifying how it is understood, this only
results in further frustration when its complex reality
fails to be addressed. The Poverty and Poverty Reduction
learning initiative, therefore, attempts to maintain
an appreciation for the complexities of poverty, strive
for coherence among diverse perspectives and continuously
deepen our collective understanding.
The series examines alternative approaches to conceiving
poverty and poverty reduction in order to strengthen the
capacity of communities to make choices about how best
to frame, unfold, measure and communicate about local
poverty reduction efforts. To the extent possible, we
will seek to reach a consensus on a refined approach for
understanding the concepts of poverty and poverty reduction
underpinning our collective work.
Participants in this series will:
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Explore key terms and concepts relevant
to defining ‘poverty’ and ‘poverty
reduction,’ clarify the major debates and consider
critical choices to be addressed.
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Review how partners in Vibrant Communities
have conceptualized poverty and poverty reduction to
date, and position these approaches within the wider
field of thought.
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Examine a variety of schemas or
models and determine their pros and cons for supporting
comprehensive, multisectoral initiatives for poverty
reduction.
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Explore the challenge of problem
identification when dealing with complex issues such
as poverty reduction and identify general approaches
for dealing with this challenge both for local initiatives
and for our collective work.
This session considers a series of conceptual
fault lines to be navigated when framing work in this area.
It reviews key terms used in the discussion of poverty and
poverty reduction, identify major approaches to defining
poverty and explore alternative theories about the causes
of poverty. The session reviews how national and local partners
involved in Vibrant Communities have defined poverty and
poverty reduction and situates these approaches within the
concepts discussed.
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The second session in the series looks
more closely at a series of possible approaches to framing
poverty and poverty reduction, and their implications for
key aspects of comprehensive, multisectoral initiatives
including: partnership formation, strategy development,
evaluation and communications. This session both identifies
possible models that communities may draw upon to develop
or refine their own conceptions of poverty and poverty reduction,
and clarifies the implications that different approaches
hold.
Resources from the Session:
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The final session in the series focuses
on the challenge of framing poverty and poverty reduction
within a pan-Canadian initiative. It considers some underlying
challenges faced by all partners in framing efforts to address
poverty as a complex issue, as well as the added challenge
of collaboration among local and national partners. It considers
two basic options for linking the work of all partners:
a minimal approach (agree on a core minimum which partners
may go beyond as they see fit) or a maximal approach (scope
out a comprehensive framework allowing partners to emphasize
different aspects of it as appropriate for their local initiatives).
The pros and cons of these two approaches are discussed
in an effort to reach consensus among Vibrant Communities
partners on how to align the efforts of all partners. Particular
attention will be paid to the implications for evaluation.
Resources from the Session:
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Canadian
Index of Wellbeing – In 2002, a team
of leading experts and practicioners came together to develop
the Canadian Index of Wellbeing, which measures economic,
health, social and environmental progress in Canadian communities.
Debunking the Myths about Poverty in Canada - This power point presentation by Rob Rainer, Executive Director, Canada without Poverty discussed the links between work, education and family and poverty. It looks at the persistence of poverty in Canada, the growing gap between rich and poor and the relationship between poverty and welfare. Finally, it debunks the myth that poverty is too expensive to fix. Access the slides here.
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Session One: Concepts and Debates |
Run time 01:15:37 |
Session Two: Models and their Implications |
Run time 01:24:14 |
Session Three: Common Ground with Diversity |
Run time 01:21:02 |
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