Redemptive Poverty Work - Student Workbook

L E S S O N 2 | T O X I C P O V E R T Y W O R K / 2 7

II. Paternalism: An Issue of Power Dynamics

page 18 & 4

A. Oxford Languages dictionary definition: “the policy or practice on the part of people in positions of authority of restricting the freedom and responsibilities of those subordinate to them in the subordinates’ supposed best interest.”

B. Are we a “guide on the side” or a “sage on the stage”?

C. The poor are gifted by God to lead their own lives. “You can do it. We can help.”

D. Example: people who are financially secure are in the best position to advise those who lack financial security.

2

1. This places the poverty worker in the tempting position to use the power that comes with their resources to manipulate and control those they are trying to help.

2. Factors such as race, gender, and historical injustice, these power dynamics further cause good intentions to morph into a form of oppression.

III. Burnout and Cynicism: Suffering fromFatigue and Disillusionment

page 19 & 5

A. “Deconversion” is often a by-product of becoming weary of doing good work.

1. Doing poverty work is never ending, and yet the problem of poverty persists.