Bridges Out of Poverty Workbook by Philip E. DeVol

by Ruby K. Payne

If you didn’t grow up in poverty, you may be unaware of the “hidden rules” that govern many aspects of life for the poor. People in poverty are often in survival mode, where the future holds no promise, and support systems taken for granted in middle class and wealth are nonexistent. If your business, agency, or organization works with people from poverty, only a deeper understanding of their challenges—and strengths—will help you partner with them to create opportunities for success. Bridges Out of Poverty is a unique and powerful tool designed specifically for social, health, and legal services professionals. Based in part on Dr. Ruby Payne’s myth shattering A Framework for Understanding Poverty, Bridges reaches out to the millions of service providers and businesses whose daily work connects them with the lives of people in poverty. In a highly readable format you’ll find case studies, detailed analysis, helpful charts and exercises, and specific solutions you and your organization can implement right now.

Genres: Nonfiction

Mass Market Paperback

First published September 15, 2006

About the author

Ruby K. Payne is an American educator and author best known for her book A Framework for Understanding Poverty and her work on the culture of poverty and its relation to education. Payne received an undergraduate degree from Goshen College in 1972. She holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies from Loyola University in Illinois, and is the founder of aha! Process, Inc., a company that informs schools, companies and other organizations about poverty.

Reviews

[Rafito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a controversial book. It was designed to help human services professional' better assist clients who come from what Payne calls the 'culture of poverty'. It gives ideas on how to better support and understands people who have grown up in generational poverty, and how to partner with them in their transitions, such as moving from welfare to work. The author also discusses how we can work more effectively with clients as individuals, agencies and communities.

I recommend this book to all. However, it's important to remember that Payne is European American, and she tends to write more accurately about white poverty than about the Latino, Native or African-American experience. There are many articles out there that critique her work and accuse her of stereotyping the poor and using a 'deficit model to describe them.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ordered this believing it to be the actual book. However, for five bucks there is still much to glean. Although I had a prior familiarity with Payne's work it was a good refresher. what I took away is that we must recognize class structures as real barriers in overcoming generational poverty. Strangely, Howard Gardner's work with brain injuries is often mis-applied in the classroom and yet Payne's work, intended for educators has gone all but unnoticed. Shamefullly, because we must acknowledge that class structures affect how we speak and , interact as well as the resources we have available. Learning disabilities are openly acknowledged, but we must also view poverty as a " disability" when trying to function in an establishment built by and for the middle class.

[Laura Putnam · Rating 2 out of 5]

The major themes that this book presents are really important: middle class professionals (social workers, teachers, nurses, etc) who work with people from poverty backgrounds need to respect the differences in experience and worldview that poverty can bring about. Without an understanding and sensitivity to these differences, our work to help lift these families and individuals out of poverty will always be futile. However, Payne's explanations of the nature of poverty culture rely almost completely on stereotypes and generalizations. Her thinking does not reflect the rich diversity of backgrounds of those we have the privilege to serve. This is a book to read critically and with a grain of salt--some of the message is good, but many of the details are deeply problematic.

[Cheri Linton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This video accompanies the book of the same name. Jody, the speaker running the workshop explains clearly the differences between the three socio/economic classes. She refers often to her own personal experience and how once she left her own neighbourhood to go to university she no longer fit into either her old neighbourhood or the middle class. With entertaining anecdotes she points out the differences between the three and how each group does not understand the hidden rules that govern each group. She explains how choices are limited for the poor and employees that work with this group must understand these rules in order to assist clients. This should be watched after reading the book.

[Tracy Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helped me rethink poverty completely, and think more constructively about solutions! If you are invested in ending economic inequity, or work frequently with someone in poverty culture, this book can be a great tool.

[Jennifer Seamans · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting read for someone who's into culture and works with a lot of impoverished people. I felt there was a lot of truth in understanding cultural differences, however the second half of the book was much less relevant, as someone with little power over my agency practices.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

so-so, but some things worth thinking about