Poverty Tourism:

An Ethical Response To Poverty?

Dan Spencer, Global Studies, 17 Oct 2011

Context: Corey Flintoff article: “India’s Street Kids

A growing phenomenon:

the Rise of “Poverty Tours” or “Slum Tours”

Starting Question:

Is it important for affluent people to have a direct experience of, or exposure to, poverty?

Move beyond abstract concepts to meeting actual poor persons in poor communities.

If so, what do we need to think about to make these ethical encounters (not tourism), where both parties are enhanced by the experience?

Possible Reasons

Possible Reasons

Possible Reasons

Possible Reasons

4. A Vehicle for Critical Self-Reflection among the Affluent: examining both our lifestyles and structural dimensions: the connections between poverty and affluence.

My Experience:The Center for Global Education

30 years working in Latin America to develop travel seminars and semester programs for US citizens

Philosophical Commitments

1. Education from the perspective of the poor majorities living in these countries

2. Grounded in Liberation Theology: a commitment to justice for the poor and oppressed

3. Education for Transformation through critical reflection on direct experience (insights of Paulo Freire)

Some Guidelines

1. Work with organizations of the poor themselves; respond to their interests

2. Approach as respectful guests and students

3. Avoid “handout charity”: channel aid to community leaders and organizations

4. Build Relationships: opportunities for each side to learn from the other

5. Followup: No promises you can’t keep

A Fish Parable Modified:4 Levels of Responses to Poverty

Direct Aid (Charity)1. “Give a Person a

Fish…”

2. Development

“Teach a Person to Fish…”

3. Social Justice“Give a Person Access to the Lake…”

4. Environmental Sustainability:

“Keep the Lake Healthy…”

All 4 Levels are Necessary

1. Direct Aid

2. Development

3. Social Justice

4. Environmental Sustainability

Some Final Thoughts

• No Easy Answers• A Long-Term

Commitment• Joy & Richness in the

Process: Deep and Meaningful Friendships

• Everyone can do some-thing: Start where you are and build community