tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4531123044785887789.post1929442824906275411..comments2017-04-18T05:36:47.856-07:00Comments on Land in O'odham Culture Economics and History: ISDA: Assisting Individuals and Families in CrisisGusehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15744174121363706840noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4531123044785887789.post-48475976679385638892017-04-15T10:40:52.386-07:002017-04-15T10:40:52.386-07:00Great post. I have a question about the criticism ...Great post. I have a question about the criticism you raise in the second paragraph. You say,"ISDA begins to describe its financial literacy program by comparing it to AA and Weight Watchers and discussing the need for ‘behavior change’ in relation to finances. This type of language and program model may actually encourage program participants and others to view their needs with a deficit mindset in which their main financial worries are the result of their personal inadequacies and behavioral flaws rather than recognizing them as being at least partially influenced by situational factors and/or structural issues impacting financial standing and amount of disposable income". <br /><br />While it almost certainly true that poor households' financial situations are shaped by "structural factors" ( things outside their control ), what benefit would there be in a personal finance education program dwelling on such factors? It seems that almost by definition the only way the education program will do any good is if it affects behaviour ( i.e. decisions over which the household DOES have control).<br /><br />But yeah i would be very skeptical of a program that doesn't include lessons on technical issues related to banking, credit, taxes, etc. Strategies for navigating the complex financial world would seem to be critical.Gusehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15744174121363706840noreply@blogger.com