Shifting the Discourse on Poverty: A Call for Research that Drives Structural Change, by Lindsey Vance, PhD

Thanks to the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina and the gracious hosts at the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina , I recently had the privilege of attending a compelling talk by sociologist Matthew Desmond on his latest work, Poverty, by America. Desmond’s insights challenge the traditional narratives around poverty in the United States, urging us to rethink not just the “failings” of individuals but the structural and systemic forces that maintain it. He advocates for a research-driven reframing of how we discuss and address poverty, suggesting that the only way to create meaningful change is to move beyond examining the symptoms and focus on the root causes that sustain it. To truly address poverty, data must do more than describe; it must expose inequities and point toward actionable, just solutions.

The Need for a Paradigm Shift in Poverty Research

The discourse around poverty in America often centers on its symptoms rather than its causes. This limited focus obscures understanding and prevents systemic solutions. Desmond argues that poverty is not an inevitable part of American society but a consequence of systems designed to benefit certain groups at the expense of others (Desmond). He highlights that affluent individuals often unwittingly support these systems through consumer habits that rely on low wages and exploitative labor practices. While most Americans express disapproval of poverty, many benefit from conditions that keep it in place.

The underlying argument in Poverty, by America is that America can eliminate poverty if it chooses to. Desmond points out that while poverty rates have remained relatively steady over the decades, they do so because of entrenched systems that maintain inequality. True solutions will require a shift in mindset from sustaining advantages for the privileged to ensuring fairer resource distribution across society.

Research Implications: Towards Justice-Driven Methodologies

To design policies that effectively address the roots of poverty, research methodologies must change. Traditional methods risk perpetuating biases by maintaining the status quo and failing to challenge the power structures that uphold poverty. As Zuberi and Bonilla-Silva argue in White Logic, White Methods, research must be inclusive, questioning entrenched power dynamics and prioritizing voices historically excluded from the conversation (Zuberi & Bonilla-Silva). In Data Feminism, D'Ignazio and Klein add that research should not just collect data but should do so in a way that actively works against systems of inequality (D'Ignazio & Klein).

Fostering Collaboration: Collaboration throughout the research process is crucial. Piven and Cloward emphasize that mobilizing both marginalized and privileged groups is essential for advocating systemic change (Piven & Cloward). This mobilization builds the social capital necessary for coalitions to act effectively, as noted by Putnam in his studies of community engagement (Bowling Alone). By fostering collaboration, research can reflect a collective vision of solutions that work for all.

Centering Power in Research: The methodologies that inform our understanding of poverty must prioritize lifting historically marginalized perspectives. Research must challenge dominant narratives that obscure systemic inequities. As White Logic, White Methods highlights, traditional research often reinforces these narratives by ignoring biases stemming from power and privilege. Questioning entrenched dynamics and focusing on power-centric approaches allows data to illuminate the true causes of poverty and identify effective solutions.

Mpowrd Analytics’ Commitment to Just, Equitable, and Inclusive Research

At Mpowrd Analytics, we align our work with these transformative approaches through core values that guide our research and ensure that it actively contributes to justice and equity. Here’s how we incorporate these principles into our methodology:

1. Justice

Our commitment to justice means we conduct research that seeks to identify and redress inequitable power and resource distribution. We aim to highlight the structural nature of poverty and challenge policies that perpetuate it. This approach resonates with Desmond’s call for systemic solutions, focusing on changing unjust systems rather than individual failings.

2. Equity

We prioritize understanding and advocating for policies that address the unique needs of diverse and intersecting identities. Inspired by Piven and Cloward’s emphasis on structural forces, our methodologies are tailored to recognize the multifaceted nature of poverty and ensure that solutions support those most affected by systemic inequities.

3. Inclusion

Our research involves communities at every stage, recognizing that true inclusion means more than representation; it means giving agency to those impacted by poverty. This participatory approach transforms data from a tool of observation to a means of empowerment, aligning with Skocpol’s assertion that social movements are key to policy change.

4. Well-being

Prioritizing well-being ensures that our processes are ethical and respectful of participants, fostering trust and empowering communities. This commitment safeguards that the research environment promotes dignity and avoids reinforcing trauma, making data collection an empowering process.

5. Reflection

Reflective practices keep our methodologies adaptive and mission-aligned. Reflection helps challenge assumptions and integrate lessons, supporting a learning culture that remains responsive to new insights about poverty.

6. Self-awareness

We uphold accountability by continuously examining our practices. This fosters transparent, ethical work that aligns with our mission to support sustainable change and community trust.

Translating Values to Practice

Mpowrd Analytics' dedication to these values manifests in research practices designed for sustainable change. This includes:

• Mixed-methods research: We combine quantitative data with qualitative narratives to provide a comprehensive understanding of poverty, avoiding the pitfalls of reductionist analysis.
• Community-based participatory research: Our work ensures affected voices are involved at every research stage, aligning outcomes with genuine community needs.
• Iterative learning: We commit to refining our methods to remain relevant, effective, and responsive.

Conclusion: Driving Systemic Change Through Value-Driven Research

As Poverty, by America reveals, ending poverty requires a shift from understanding its symptoms to dismantling the systems that cause it. At Mpowrd Analytics, we strive to meet this challenge by employing methodologies rooted in justice, equity, and inclusivity. By aligning our research practices with these values, we aim to foster solutions that uplift communities, influence policies, and drive systemic change for a more just society.

Citations:

• Desmond, Matthew. Poverty, by America. Crown, 2023.
• Zuberi, Tukufu, and Eduardo Bonilla-Silva. White Logic, White Methods: Racism and Methodology. Rowman & Littlefield, 2008.
• D'Ignazio, Catherine, and Lauren F. Klein. Data Feminism. MIT Press, 2020.
• Piven, Frances Fox, and Richard A. Cloward. Poor People’s Movements: Why They Succeed, How They Fail. Vintage, 1979.