Bridges Out of Poverty: Strategies for Professionals and Communities

I have been reading "Bridges out of Poverty" for a social work class I am taking at The Ohio State University. I am a senior in psychology and sociology, and I find this book academically lacking and socially irresponsible. This text is classic culture of poverty--the theory that those in poverty are there because of character flaws and bad behavior. Payne never confronts the structural barriers which bar the poor from increasing their economic position. Education, full-time employment (at a living-wage), and inadequate social safety-nets are stronger correlates to poverty than language and perspective as Payne would suggest. Payne suggests, though never directly, that the family is the primary socializing force in the development of an individual. Schools, and the staff and educators who operate them; neighborhoods and their relationship to the city as a whole; and the national and political culture, defused to homes through the media, are all prominent factors in the socialization of every individual.
Thus, when one receives messages of worthlessness and derogation from the whole of society, when your existence is viewed as a cause to herald and correct, when you are bombarded by a consumerist culture in which you cannot participate, the logical end is an attitude of hopelessness and dissociation. Instead of a steadfast defense of "middle-class ideals," I propose a more critical analysis of this society. A society with more wealth than any other nation in the world, but also with a poorly performing education system (which is blamed on the student and not the lack of funding), a service focused economy which will force us to sell to each other the products of distant lands, and an obsession with consumption which is destroying our planet.
When it is proposed that a critical look be taken toward a particular group, we must first look at ourselves. Before we espouse the lifestyle and ideology of one group onto another, we must first determine if that lifestyle is "correct." In my opinion, there is no certificate or qualification which a person can obtain that gives them the power to do that. It is hypocritical to ask of the poor what we would not ask of ourselves. Ruby Payne, and "academics" like her, have become unable to see the forest for the trees.

This book should be read by anyone involved in social welfare issues and those working to really help those in poverty. The answer is not just throwing money at the problem. Most welfare programs are designed by upper- and upper-middle-class professional. They naturally think like upper- and upper-middle-class people. And, on a regular basis, in the long term, FAIL. This book breaks the code by demonstrating that the basic thinking processes of the poor are different and are the major barriers to successful living. It then goes on to train the trainers about the differences in thinking and some methods that change that thinking to a pattern more likely to give the poor person the tools (not just money) to lift themselves out of poverty. This book should also be used by churches to address the line of "The poor you will always be with you," and say, "Maybe so, but they won't be so numerous."

As an educator I strongly urge anyone working with "helping" services, including education, to read this book. It is an easy read that can provide invaluable insights. This book sheds much light on the inhibiting assumptions and obstacles that seperate the varying socioeconomic classes. I have begun to change my approach to educating as a result of Dr. Payne's work. Do yourself and those you are trying to help a favor...read this book!

This book is for anyone who wants to prepare his or her community for addressing poverty in a comprehensive, systemic way. We have been working with communities for ten years to help them establish our Circles approach to helping families out of poverty. Whenever we come to a community that has been doing Bridges, everything goes faster and better. It is an excellent text for understanding the hidden rules of class.

Scott Miller
Author of "Until It's Gone, Ending Poverty in our Nation, in our Lifetime"

As someone who works with First Nations in the Southwest area, this book has been helpful in understanding some of the issues that those in poverty situations face. As another reviewer criticized, this book mentions systemic issues but then mostly provides tools for caseworkers, mentors, and other middle-classed people in working with those in poverty in the U.S. However, for most of these people, addressing systemic issues isn't feasible, and what they do have the opportunity to do is to help alleviate stresses and provide 'bridges' for some impoverished people to develop fuller lifestyles.

Even as a middle-class person, I found some of the advice on interpersonal relationships and some of the charts describing what happens to people as they move between social groups to be very helpful. This book, although incomplete, provides a good start to understanding poverty as not just 'that person's bad choices,' and also has tools and wisdom about coping in mainstream American life that a wide variety of people could benefit from. 4 stars.

If only I had read this book during the 18 years I taught in a poor rural
school. I'm now retired, and because of that teaching experience and
the needs of which it made me aware I'm volunteering in a community program
geared to help people move out of poverty. I had good intentions, but if I had been
aware of many of the specifics mentioned in the book I could have been more
effective during those teaching years.

This was an eye opener book for me, yes I am in poverty myself still even though I have read this book but I had a much healthier upbringing then most who come from poverty. I know for me there was one gentleman at work who was forever missing work and after reading the first two chapters my view of him completely changed because it was in that moment the lenses on my eyes were unveiled and I was able to see for the first time why he was acting the way he was. He was one of our main cooks so it was a big deal when he would miss work on an ongoing bases. Since then he has gone on to bigger and better things his wife has also landed an amazing job and they are doing really good. I have no idea how they did it but am so proud of them. Every now and then I see him drive around in a really nice vehicle and we wave, I just wish I could figure out my path but am always happy for those who can break lose from this incredible gripping chain.

Is this what compassionate conservatism looks like? I began reading the book without any previous knowledge of Payne's work and read it as part of a book club at work. I found this book filled with generalizations about low-income people and incredibly offensive stereotypical images of people of color. The Hispanic gang-banger, the African-American maid, promiscuous low-income single mother. There are a few tiny nuggets of information in the chapter on language but nothing any high school guidance counselor wouldn't be able to tell you. Since reading it, I've done some research and discovered that there are many critics of her work who question her methods and recommendations. If you read this book, be sure to also read some of the criticism of her theories.

This book is a must read for ANYBODY who works with lower income families. It answers so many questions about the why and helps you understand the families you are working with. You owe it to them and yourself to read this book.

Love love love this book. If any one is really interested in understanding poverty and how to truly help that population of folks, start and stop here. I have been so enlightened and so much less likely to judge and make quick assumptions. Great tool for folks in the serving profession.