Is poverty cultural? Are people poor because of where they live? Does God ordain poverty? This course explores the prevailing explanations for why poverty exists today. Drawing on religious and cultural references, news media, and other sources, we will examine the deeply entrenched ideologies that keep society at large from recognizing the breadth and depth of poverty and, therefore, prevent us from seeking long-term and real solutions that can end poverty. The first session will introduce the framework, emphasizing cultural expressions. The second session will explore these ideologies within religion.
*If you would like to join from outside New York City, please find the Zoom registration here*
Shailly Gupta Barnes is the Policy Director at the Kairos Center. She coordinated and edited the Souls of Poor Folk: Auditing America report for the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, working closely with the Institute for Policy Studies. … Read More ›
Colleen Wessel-McCoy is Co-Coordinator of Poverty Scholarship and Leadership Development at the Kairos Center, National Political Educator for the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, and Lecturer in Practical Theology at Union Theological Seminary. She holds a PhD in Christian Social Ethics from Union Theological Seminary. Her … Read More ›