3.1: Stereotyping
Challenge erroneous assumptions to make room for a new approach to economic and social mobility that is based on people's
real strengths instead of presumed deficits.
Other Information:
Fighting Stereotypes with Data, Stories, and Case Studies -- Negative stereotypes about poor people and communities shape
and justify U.S. poverty policies and practices. Policies that insist we must manage and direct the poor assume that poor
people are helpless and lack knowledge or talents. Controlling policies aimed at weeding out cheaters assume that low-income
people are lazy and untrustworthy. We need to challenge these erroneous assumptions to make room for a new approach to economic
and social mobility that is based on people's real strengths instead of presumed deficits. FII recognizes that most low-income
families, like most people, work hard and want the best for themselves and their families. FII gathers and shares data and
stories that show the tremendous contributions low-income people make to this country as innovators, consumers, leaders, job
creators, and supporters to one another. FII innovates and tests various tools with the low-income families with whom we partner.
Through our extensive data collection and feedback from the families, we are able to determine what works — and what doesn't
— as they endeavor to move their lives forward. We write case studies and articles so others can replicate these innovations.
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