1. Asset Building and the Conventional Wisdom John Stapleton SEED June 6-7

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3. Myth of Cognition Do people make rational decisions by assessing fact? Generally decide views based on values and emotions, not facts Does the public respond to asset building programs? Asset Building and the Conventional Wisdom3

4. Getting out of Poverty Many believe that poverty (including asset poverty) is your own fault – an individual deficit which you have to overcome on your own Others believe that people should get help but not from government….. However……All sides believe in the language of removal of barriers Asset Building and the Conventional Wisdom4

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6. The New Paradigm We live in an era that is attracted to less government, lower taxes. The apparent cure to bad government is less government. A prevailing view is that individual taxpayers can spend their money better than the government can. Asset Building and the Conventional Wisdom6

7. Public Scarcity This prevailing view is not just ideology or innuendo – it is a vision that has become conventional wisdom. The vision is one that celebrates private or individual abundance and public scarcity. With less government and lower taxes, the fundamental tenet is that we will be better off as a result. Asset Building and the Conventional Wisdom7

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9. The Public Scarcity Paradigm This vision of private abundance and public scarcity is not a hypothesis subject to proof. It is not subject to the presentation of evidence in its favour or disfavour. Decisions will not be based on good evidence as the vision frames the evidence that it is prepared to accept. Asset Building and the Conventional Wisdom9

10. John Kenneth Galbraith: four tests for the conventional wisdom Comfort: people feel comfortable with the views expressed and the values they uphold Simplicity: views expressed are uncomplicated and easy to grasp Understandable: the frame or viewpoint is shared easily and is well understood by most people; and Self Esteem: People feel good about themselves and their self-esteem is enhanced when they express conventional views. Asset Building and the Conventional Wisdom10

11. Conventional Wisdom Matrix ElementsCurrentWhat to avoidPossible approaches Comfort Let people individually plan their asset building. You are on your own. We should not be comfortable that people can’t build assets. We should feel uncomfortable. More of us can be better off and it’s good for all of us, not just the poor or the people who are assisted. Simplicity It is simple – resources are scarce –everybody is responsible for themselves Issues are more complex. What happens is really complicated. Removing barriers is good… and simple. We all face barriers Understanding and recognition of the frame of reference The frame is recognizable I had to do it.. Why not them? People come here with 3 cents in their pocket and do well We need to look at things differently. It doesn’t matter that someone came here with 3 cents in their pockets and did well. Collective resources of our communities and ourselves that benefit all of us. …Not tax dollars taken out of your pocket to go to the unworthy - Promotion of self- esteem It makes us feel good: we are better because we have a good country and we are allowed to get ahead We are doing less well than we think We are the new leaders At the forefront of change Recognized throughout the world. All can help with all sector approach. Asset Building and the Conventional Wisdom11

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13. QUESTIONS? Responses? Asset Building and the Conventional Wisdom13