Poverty relief often focuses on food, shelter and money. A study from the University of Michigan, published in PNAS, says cultural and psychological factors also matter for change.
The researchers ran three linked studies in rural Niger. They found many women described agency as interdependent, tied to relationships, respect and group harmony. The team tested two psychosocial programs and a control. One program followed Western ideas of individual ambition. The other used local, interdependent values. Only the culturally wise program helped women advance economically over one year.
Difficult words
- agency — ability to make choices and take action
- interdependent — depending on and working with other people
- psychosocial — relating to both mental and social factors
- control — group that does not get a special program
- culturally — in a way that matches local beliefs
- advance — move forward in position or success
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Discussion questions
- Do you think a program that follows local values would help people in your community? Why or why not?
- Can you give an example of how respect and group harmony might help someone improve their life?
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