Alana,

We conducted a Hunger Prevalence Study for the Peterborough County-City
Health Unit last year.  It was in response to a smaller study that was
conducted by the Social Development Council.  Besides the results of the
studies the reaction by the media and government was quite fascinating.
After the SDC published their report the local press printed the findings.
Then the local government reps came out saying simple messages like poverty
is bad, they have plans in place, etc.  But after that came the backlash.
First, an alderman said that poverty isn't the problem, the problem is that
a lot of the poor people don't know how to manage their money properly.
There was a bit of an outcry about that statement, and then another alderman
stepped into the public debate and said that the SDC report should not be
taken to seriously because of it's methodology.  Finally, the health board
came out in support of the report and decided to follow it up with a larger
survey, using random sampling, with an n. of 1,000.  In the end both surveys
found similar results.

This is an example of some people's perceptions of or attitudes towards
people who live in poverty.  If an alderman is willing to say, on record,
that people are hungry because they lack financial management skills, then
it probably reflects a belief/myth that is fairly widespread.

Good luck with your project!


Braz King
Managing Director
Smaller World Communications Inc.
116 Westwood Lane
Richmond Hill, ON
L4C 6Y3

905-771-6965
905-771-7974 Fax

[log in to unmask]