Eradicating Poverty Through Diversity & Inclusion

It is no secret that different cultures exist all over the world. Not just from country to country either, even one single country can have various different cultures represented within it. It is also no secret that poverty has been taking a toll on nearly every country on Earth and has become a very real threat to many people. It may also seem as though these two topics do not particularly blend together but, as you will soon find out, embracing the diversity of our society and the differences these cultures create can be a valuable tool in fighting poverty and creating a stronger and more homogenous community.

Whether you are talking about a university, a workplace or a city, diversity will most likely be present in all microcosms of our society. People from all races, ages, genders and ethnicities will undoubtedly mix when put in a big enough group. The beauty of that unavoidable diversity is that all of these wildly different people have a specific viewpoint and quality of life to bring forward and that, by accepting and embracing that diversity, people can gain a wider understanding of the world around them.

When the above-mentioned various types of people come together, they tackle the problems facing them by using their specific life experiences and create more creative and innovative solutions to problems. Therefore, by taking advantage of the inherent diversity that comes with the groups of people all over the world, organizations and activists have a better chance of solving their problems while also learning and improving as people.

By supporting the individual needs and requirements of previously-marginalized groups of people in our society, we can set everyone up for future success. 

Promoting Inclusion & Inspiring Change

There are numerous ways individuals can promote diversity and inclusion, regardless of how well-known, or influential they are:

• Acknowledge your own unconscious bias and express the importance of challenging your biases with others.

• Promote pay equity for all workers.

• Observe significant holidays of all cultures.

• Interact regularly with .

Anyone can use these strategies, whether you are the manager of a company who wishes to promote social change on a large level or simply someone making their way through the world and wanting to be a bit more conscientious of others.

The Effect of Poverty 

The effect that poverty has on those who suffer from it, regardless of the culture they come from, takes hold of them physically, mentally and emotionally. One of the more transparent theories in regards to the cultural consequences of poverty came from Oscar Lewis. Lewis made the argument that groups of people who were marginalized from a more wealthy society due to their financial and cultural standing developed certain patterns of behavior to cope with their situation. Behaviors such as low aspirations, helplessness, disorganization, political apathy and a disparagement of middle class values. Those who end up in poverty have a hard time pushing themselves out of the mental and emotional hole the situation has put them in. However, they are far from a lost cause.

In spite of the misery that may come with being impoverished, the groups that face such a lifestyle still manage to find methods of release to help them better themselves. Religious expression has become a bit more prominent in recent years as a tool for cultural expression and meaning-making for low-income communities. Additionally, impoverished people have a higher level of sympathy for those in similar situations. While they are less likely to give their money to charities and individuals, when they do give, they give more of their income than the rich do. The rich give away between three and four percent of their income, while the poor give away four to five percent. Even in, what can be, very difficult living conditions, people living in poverty will look out for each other in the same way that coworkers or friends may. 

Promoting Social Inclusion

A very simple strategy for promoting social inclusion and building a more well rounded community is engaging in the cultural activities that the diverse groups in your workplace, university or town partake in. Not only would it make them feel more seen and appreciated but it would also broaden horizons for those who are experiencing something completely new and different. These activities can vary wildly and have a just as varying impact on those who participate in them.

• Building confidence through participating in drama and theatre workshops.

• Enhancing self-esteem by promoting projects that involve cultural activities.

• Overcoming discrimination by utilizing immigrants in language and dance classes to promote different cultures.

• Increasing access to information by extending access to the internet for disadvantaged groups.

In addition to the cultural activities that can help blend our society into a more understanding group, there are also tangible goals that we can look towards accomplishing that would help bring people of all cultures together. From supporting participation in community based cultural activities to developing cultural activities in schools to promoting wider access to national heritage sites, there are many ways we can extend our hands to those of different cultures and lifestyles and encourage them to tell their stories.

Concluding Thoughts

While poverty is a problem that affects a large majority of people, regardless of the culture they come from, there are steps that can be taken to help those who suffer from both poverty and the overall feeling of rejection from the world around them. From actions that one can take by themself to group activities that can help numerous people understand the differing cultures around the world, embracing the inherent diversity present in all facets of our lives leads to a more healthy understanding of the groups of people that make up said diversity. There are also numerous organizations around the world that have dedicated their efforts to fight for diversity and inclusion. If you are interested in what those groups have to say when it comes to additional strategies or ways in which people can get involved, the internet is right at your fingertips. Take a look and start changing the world.

Resource List
A comprehensive list of the resources found in this blog post—in order of appearance.

• “Embracing Diversity and Inclusion: Cultivating a Harmonious and Thriving Environment.” LinkedIn.

• “How to Promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace.” Dayforce. 

• “Cultural Diversity and Anti-Poverty Policy.” Harvard University.

• “The Generous Poor.” Institute for Family Studies.

• “The Role of Culture in Preventing and Reducing Poverty…” European Union.