Written by Scott Graybow MPhil LCSW   

As Professor Richard Wolff has repeatedly observed, the ongoing economic crisis has created a new reality in which it is increasingly possible to question the dominant capitalist system. Politicians and the media no longer simply ignore devastating instances of social injustice and economic inequality. President Obama has made a number of high profile speeches on the topic of income inequality and extreme right wing ideologues such as Marco Rubio are now admitting, “having a job that pays $10 an hour is not the American dream.” A national dialogue about how the political economy ought to be is slowly but surely underway. Each day more and more citizens are exposed to phrases such as “the 99%” and are more likely than ever to come across a story in the media about previously unspeakable issues such as income inequality. Of course, this dialogue is often not based on facts, ignores historical context, and generally lacks attention to detail. Nevertheless, it is clear that a hugely important shift has occurred wherein problems that can be directly linked to shortcomings of the current economic system are on the minds of an increasing number of Americans.

In this new, more robust environment citizens find themselves becoming more aware of the deeply held beliefs and emotions they associate to the issue of class as they reflect on questions such as whether long-term unemployment should be extended or if food stamps should be cut. Assuming that Professor Wolff is correct and there is now at least a slim chance that our country might be willing to consider the possibility that capitalism is not without fault and that alternatives should be discussed and considered, an important question must be addressed: How can we – as citizen-activists seeking the establishment of a fairer, more just social order – effectively engage others in a way that makes the most of this unique historical moment?

A recent news report on the hot topic of food stamps gives some insight into where certain segments of the population are on the road towards becoming class conscious and as such provides clues as to how activists might engage them. Published by Bloomberg, the article reveals a startling fact: Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney won 213 of the 254 counties where food stamp recipients doubled between 2007 and 2011. And this seemingly one-in-a-million example of cognitive dissonance is not an isolated phenomenon: of the 227 counties with the highest concentration of food stamp recipients located wholly within one district, 160 of those districts are represented by Republicans. The article goes on to detail one such district, Owsley County, in Kentucky. Four in 10 residents of Owsley County live below the federal poverty line, and 52 percent of the population is on food stamps. Regardless of these conditions, an anti-safety net Republican congressman, Hal Rogers, who recently won his 16th Congressional election with no less than 84 percent of the vote, represents the county. Also of note: Rogers recently voted in supported of a farm bill that cuts $2 billion annually from food stamps.

When interviewed about her feelings about food stamps cuts, a local resident who relies on government food assistance named Sara Price was quoted as saying, “We just have to budget better… Whatever they are going to do, you have to adapt to it.” A growing body of research in the field of psychology points to ways to engage people like Sara. This research has proven that economically oppressed people are less likely than wealthy citizens to seek or engage in help regarding emotional problems. They are also unlikely to allow themselves to be conscious of the anger they harbor about their economic oppression. Indeed, research shows they typically avoid discussing their economic plight out of shame and fear of condemnation. In clinical settings, interventions in which mental health providers make a point of expressing that they understand being poor is a serious challenge, and offer to include discussion of economic issues in the treatment, are significantly more likely to have positive outcomes. Additionally, poor clients interviewed in recent psychological studies consistently expressed satisfaction with providers who they perceive as advocating for them about poverty-related issues and dissatisfaction with services received from providers who they perceive as flaunting wealth and status.

So if the economically oppressed prefer to receive help from medical professionals who are sensitive to issues of poverty, why do these same individuals overwhelmingly support politicians who are extremely insensitive, even politically violent, towards the needs of the poor? Secondly, how can this phenomenon be discussed in a way that is helpful to the material and psychological needs of someone like Sara Price? Taking the above-mentioned findings into consideration, activists and other concerned citizens might consider the following were they to engage Sara for the purpose of promoting class discussion and effecting meaningful change. First, remember that Sara is not interested in theoretical debates or fancy economic jargon. Sara is worried about how she is going to make her food stamps last until the end of the month. So, acknowledge that reality, express you are aware of that reality through your words and compliment her on her efforts to win the daily battle to survive. Second, express interest in the context of Sara’s life. Don’t assume you know why she is on food stamps or suggest that you have the solution to all her problems. Sara is the expert about the details of her life. Let her share her knowledge with you. Lastly, if you want to help Sara, empower Sara. Let her know the majority of Americans on food stamps today are working Americans who despite being employed are still living below the poverty line. Perhaps this or some other piece of factual knowledge you share will plant the seed that will lead her to one day be aware that her statement “you have to adapt to it” is correct only if we allow it to be.


References

Goodman, L., Pugach, M., Skolnik, A., & Smith, L. (2012). Poverty and mental health practice: Within and beyond the 50-minute hour. Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session, 69(2), 182-190.

McCormick, J., & Giroux, G. (August 14, 2013). Food Stamp Cut Backed by Republicans With Voters. Bloomberg. Retrieved January 11, 2014 from http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-08-14/food-stamp-cut-backed-by-republicans-with-voters-on-rolls.html

Peters, J. (January 8, 2014). Two Parties Place Political Focus on Inequality. The New York Times. Retrieved January 11, 2014 from http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/09/us/politics/republicans-move-to-reclaim-poverty-fighting-mantle.html?_r=0

Thompson, M., Cole, O., & Nitzarim, R. (2012). Recognizing social class in the psychotherapy relationship: A grounded theory exploration of low-income clients. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 59(2), 208-211.

Wolff, R. (2013). Capitalism becomes questionable. MRZine. Retrieved January 11, 2014 from http://mrzine.monthlyreview.org/2013/wolff190213.html