Reducing Inter-generational Ethnic Poverty Economics, Psychology and Culture

This book looks at human capital development and provides an explanation for why cognitive development varies among ethnic groups. The book uses an interdisciplinary approach to examine inter-generational ethnic poverty. It puts forth an argument that the ethnic poverty gap can be reduced, and to do so we need a broader view of human capital which considers the match between the nature of the economy and the specific capabilities needed. The book focuses on the interrelationship between developmental psychology and socio-economic status and argues that the most important relationship in a knowledge economy is actually the one between a parent and a child. The book begins by looking at cultures and assimilation and investigates the link between education, culture and socio-economic status. It also attempts to answer the question of what the link between culture, parents and children’s ability is and why ethnic groups vary in their nurturing. It delves into how parenting and cognitive development are interrelated. This thought-provoking book concludes with an emphasis on nurture and how it may alleviate ethnic poverty and shape social policies. The book provides a strong thesis to counter explanations based on racial and genetic superiority.

1.Introduction 2. Assimilation, Cultural Superiority and Poverty 3. What is the link between Culture and Economic Systems? 4. What is the link between Culture, Parenting and Children’s ability? 5. Culture, Socio-economic Status and Educational Outcomes 6. Neuroscience and Ethnotheories 7. Human Capital, Cognitive Skills and Cultural Change 8. Blurred Lines: Socio-economic Status and Ethnicity 9. What are the Implications for Policy? 10. Two Case Studies 11. Poverty vs Welfare 12. Do We Really Want to Solve This?

Greg Clydesdale lectures at Lincoln University, New Zealand. His expertise centres on economic growth and welfare on which he has authored four books. He has conducted staff training and consultancy programmes for public and private organizations including the Ngai Tahu Development Corporation (a Maori tribe).