Ruby Payne is an education consultant who has developed a chart to help understand the different levels of poverty and their corresponding characteristics. According to Payne, there are four levels of poverty: poverty of the mind, poverty of the soul, poverty of the wallet, and poverty of the environment.
At the first level, poverty of the mind, individuals may have limited knowledge and understanding of the world around them due to a lack of education and exposure to new ideas. This can lead to a lack of self-esteem and a lack of motivation to succeed.
At the second level, poverty of the soul, individuals may feel disconnected from their community and may struggle with feelings of loneliness and isolation. This can also lead to a lack of hope and a lack of belief in one's own potential.
At the third level, poverty of the wallet, individuals may struggle with financial insecurity and may not have access to the resources they need to meet their basic needs. This can lead to a lack of stability and a constant state of worry about how to make ends meet.
At the fourth and most severe level, poverty of the environment, individuals may live in unsafe or unhealthy environments that lack basic necessities such as clean water and proper sanitation. This can have serious consequences on an individual's physical and mental health.
Payne's chart is a useful tool for understanding the various ways in which poverty can manifest and the impact it can have on an individual's life. It is important to recognize that poverty is a complex issue that affects people in different ways and to work towards addressing and combating poverty in all its forms.