Deficit theory is a means to attribute social and economic inequity by identifying deficiencies in the cultures, behaviors, attitudes and beliefs of disadvantaged groups. Deficit theorists are guilty of making assumptions and generalizations regarding groups. Just as educators have to dig deep within themselves to identify and sort out our personal issues with race and culture, the same is true for class. We are all, to some degree, deficit theorists. What’s as important as dealing with our own issues is beginning to consider larger systems at work contributing to poverty and classism.
I am not familiar with Ruby Payne’s work. I am intrigued by Gorski’s critique of her work and want to learn more about her. My question is how she became so accredited and respected for her work. It’s easy to ascribe her success to the support from right-wing politicians. However, it’s not politicians passing out professional leave forms for teachers to attend her conferences. What are administrators and teachers of disadvantaged students learning from her, and why do they keep coming back. It would be interesting if as a group we could attend a seminar of hers following the Gorski discussion.
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dawntaylor05
// Mar 17, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Julie,
I completely agree, I’m intrigued by Gorski and the works of Ruby Payne. It appears they have such contrasting opinions, yet both are highly regarded for their work. I, too, would love to attend a Ruby Payne seminar following Gorski and critically analyze the information presented to me. I’m sure like most differences of opinion and debates, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. If nothing else, these authors have opened my eyes to the issues of race, class, and poverty. Now it’s my turn to critically examine the information, search my own value and belief systems, and form my own opinions.
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