Mauricio Miller has spent years upending common beliefs and practices regarding poverty alleviation in the US and throughout the world, which has led him to question some of the central ideas of poverty alleviation. In his book The Alternative and his current work, Miller argues that that solutions to poverty are not actions done to or for the poor, but actions done with the poor. This change in attitude recognizes the innate talent and problem-solving abilities those in long-term poverty possess but are often unable to demonstrate in marketable ways. This week, Miller, other panelists, and myself discuss the value created by such informal economic activity and how to harness it to expand human potential.

Mentioned in the Episode

Articles Written by Mauricio Miller - The Alternative: Creating Upward Mobility by Tapping the Talents of the People Themselves and Investment Capital for All

The Alternative: Most of What You Believe About Poverty Is Wrong

Adam Smith by the Bay

Family Independence Initiative (Now known as UpTogether)

Keller Center at Princeton University

Head Start

Community Independence Initiative

eLab at the Keller Center (Princeton University)

US Small Business Administration (SBA)