Getting Saved From Poverty: Religion in Poverty to Work Programs

Author: William H. Lockhart

Dissertation School: University of Virginia

Pages: 396

Publication Date: May 2002

Availability:
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Access Number: 10746

Abstract:

During this turn of the 21st Century a major shift has occurred in American poverty policy from simply providing material support and some job training to complex strategy of "transforming" the poor into self-reliant citizens by the means of poverty-to-work programs. Related to this shift has been a movement to bring religion back into the provision of services. These policy changes raise questions: what do these poverty-to-work programs do? Are they substantially different from previous programs? Does religion make any difference in these programs, and if so, what does it contribute?

Based on an investigation of three secular and three explicitly religious poverty-to-work programs situated in two Southeastern cities, and utilizing insights from the sociology of religion, culture, organizations and poverty, this dissertation creates a matrix for examining these programs and the different dimensions by which religion can affect them.

Both the secular and faith-based poverty-to-work programs provide material goods and services to their hard-to employ clients, but their primary concern is to transform their status in the eyes of employers from being "bad" risks" to "potentially good employee". Once transformed and given skills to keep and advance in employment sufficient to raise them out of poverty, they will hopefully gain economic self-sufficiency. These programs create this transformation by building their clients human capital, cultivating relevant cultural capital, developing social capital, and enhancing their status.

Although both secular and faith-based programs seek their clients' transformation, religious programs, by their use volunteers and their association with local congregations, may develop deeper and more extensive networks of social relationships for their clients. These networks can then assist the clients on-going efforts for survival and success. Religious programs also draw upon appropriate workplace behaviors and attitudes. The relationship with a loving God that is encouraged in the religious programs also provides additional social support and inspiration.

However these poverty-to-work programs are not sufficient to help the poor overcome all structural barriers that may hinder their economic mobility, but are at least policy solutions to long-lasting social problems.

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