Payne’s 12 key points to remember about poverty
1. Poverty is relative;
2. Poverty occurs in all races and in all countries;
3. Economic class is a continuous line, not a clear-cut distinction;
4. Generational poverty and situational poverty are different;
5. This work is based on patterns. All patterns have exceptions;
6. An individual brings with him/her the hidden rules of the class in which he/she was raised;
7. Schools and businesses operate from middle-class norms and use the hidden rules of middle class;
8. For our students to be successful, we must understand their hidden rules and teach them the rules that will make them successful at school and at work;
9. We can neither excuse students nor scold them for not knowing; as educators we must teach them and provide support, insistence and expectations;
10. To move from poverty to middle class or middle class to wealth, an individual must give up relationships for achievement (at least for some period of time);
11. Two things that help one move out of poverty are education and relationships;
12. Four reasons one leaves poverty are: it’s too painful to stay, a vision or goal, a key relationship, or a special talent or skill.
