Problematizing the Notion of Puerto Ricans as "Underclass": A Step Toward a Decolonizing Study of Poverty

Abstract

The article examines the social science concept of the underclass with respect to its historical origin, meaning and general usage during the past 3 decades and more specifically, in terms of its more recent use for Puerto Ricans. A critique is presented that not only challenges the use of the term "underclass" to describe the phenomenon of poverty in the Puerto Rican community today, but that also calls into question the interests of the political and ideological foundations that inform its general use as a social science construct. Central to the discussion is a critical analysis of the assymetrical power relations inherent in the act of labeling and hence, the potential colonizing impact of traditional social science language on populations who are members of subordinate cultures. In an effort to move toward a decolonizing study of poverty, social scientists are strongly urged to develop contextually oriented research methodologies and approaches that are firmly grounded in an emancipatory vision of community empowerment and transformation.