������Ƶ

Topic

Do children raised on income assistance develop “poverty scar” lifelong behavioral patterns and coping strategies that adversely affect their adult decisions?

School of Social Work

Date & location

• Friday, February 21, 2025
• 10:00 A.M.
• Virtual Defence

Examining Committee

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Jeannine Carriere, School of Social Work, University of Victoria (Supervisor)
• Dr. Donna Jeffery, School of Social Work, UVic (Member)

External Examiner

• Dr. Michael Prince, Faculty of Human and Social Development, UVic

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Frederick Grouzet, Department of Psychology, UVic

Abstract

My research explored if income assistance, its accompanying policies and the associated poverty contributed to the development of “poverty scars” in children: lifelong behavioral patterns and coping strategies that adversely affected them in adulthood. Using photovoice methodology that employed visual and participatory qualitative methods, four participants were recruited who agreed to take part in a six-week research project, which included a community gala to present their experiences of living on income assistance through photographs. One participant withdrew without notice at the end of the second session. The literature review examined the income assistance program, highlighting how it is intentionally designed to be challenging for its users and only provides basic financial support. It is this level of financial support that induces “poverty scars” it forces children to develop coping strategies to manage their limited resources. In addition, it appears to create a sense of scarcity, and lowered self-esteem for its users. The research of Urie Bronfenbrenner (2014) proports that for children to thrive, effective public policies and practices must provide opportunities that include essential resources and sufficient parenting time. The literature review uncovered that children’s experience with poverty causes problems in all areas of their life. The findings of the research uncovered that the participants in my study, now adults, shared characteristics I define as “poverty scars” that manifested in longing from the necessities of childhood – particularly popular toys of the time, lack of opportunities and adequate food. This deep-rooted scarcity persisted into adulthood, resulting in acting out behaviours of lack, developed in childhood.