Abstract
The statement, poor people today are living on less than a dollar per day primarily because they currently have little value to contribute in the marketplace, is problematic. It suggests that this is just the way it is and little can be done about it. This is precisely where we need to engage the poor, working with them to develop their potential. It is in our long-term interest to do so. Instead of little value, I believe it is more accurate to speak of little recognized value.