Misunderstanding Poverty: Changing American Mindsets

We’re joined by Dr. Crystal Hoyt, Professor of Leadership Studies and Psychology at the Jepson School of Leadership at the University of Richmond. Her scholarship looks at the intersection of human belief systems and social justice, and in this episode, she offers us a look into research she and colleagues have conducted that uncovers unseen influences on both individual thinking and on shared societal perspectives that in turn affect wealth inequality and poverty. Dr. Hoyt shares insights on how mindsets shape our understanding of social issues, offering a fresh perspective on the state of American economic inequality and poverty. During our time together, she also explains how mindsets impact what we believe is possible, including whether eliminating poverty is achievable. By helping us understand the different kinds of mindsets, and why understanding their distinctions matters, we can better advance anti-poverty policy solutions. ____ Resources discussed: Mindsets of Addiction: Implications for Treatment Intentions - https://bit.ly/3OCYUsd  Believing in the American Dream Sustains Negative Attitudes toward Those in Poverty – https://bit.ly/3sa3bfs  Growth Mindset Messaging in Stigma-Relevant Contexts: Harnessing Benefits Without Costs - https://bit.ly/3QFhQcL  The Implications of Mindsets of Poverty for Stigma Against Those in Poverty - https://bit.ly/44aFPn1  ____ Be a part of Our Dream Deferred: use the hashtag #OurDreamDeferred or write to us at jgaron@aphsa.org. Our Dream Deferred is produced by APHSA. Editing and sound design for this episode was done by Bea Mitchell.