Seventh Session

It really is amazing watching the process work, just like Phil told us it would.  Last night we discussed who makes policies for organizations, who implements them and who uses the services.  One of the investigators said, "There's too much welfare... like handouts.  Why don't they teach us how to get out?"  I reminded him that's what the class is all about.  Pam asked how everyone thinks the class is going at the exact same time that I was about to ask them - just to get some feedback.  Overall they feel like it's beneficial.  I'm sure some parts will help people in different ways.  For example, some of the guys who don't have kids have a hard time relating to the guys/gals that do have children. 

 

One of the female investigators had a great idea to implement a version of Getting Ahead in high schools.  She thinks money management should be taught because she has learned the hard way.  Another person shared that she overdrafted her first checking account within a matter of days due to lack of financial education.  Don't get me wrong - it's not all about finances, which is another thing we discussed on Monday.  There are actually eleven different types of resources including financial, emotional, mental and relationships.  We have more resources in some areas than others.

 

We also talked about how it would be for someone in poverty to "marry up" into the middle or wealthy class.  Most people focused on how the people from the higher classes would look down upon them, like thinking their house isn't clean enough or their food isn't prepared the right way.  Some investigators have personal experience of "marrying up" or at least being in a relationship with someone from a high economic class.  None of those relationships turned out too well.  One of the guys gave back all the things that his controlling and wealthy girlfriend had bought for him when they broke up because he would rather be broke than be controlled.

 

The investigators were given two homework assignments.  One is to bring in or discuss a newspaper article related to the economy and/or poverty.  The other assignment is to reflect upon which hidden rules you were raised with and why it's important to know the rules of other economic classes.