Ryder is a national role model for Reach, the scheme aimed at raising the aspirations and attainment of black boys and young men. He’s commenting on recent research suggesting that role [...]]]> Some of the contradictions and challenges surrounding money and values education are neatly outlined in a thoughtful article by Matthew Ryder in yesterday’s Observer.

Ryder is a national role model for Reach, the scheme aimed at raising the aspirations and attainment of black boys and young men. He’s commenting on recent research suggesting that role models who stress their material success are more likely to prove inspirational to young black boys in particular.

The logic is plain. If getting rich is what matters to young black people, showing them the material success of lawyers, accountants, teachers is a way of gaining their respect.

Ryder has seen this in action. High earners do gain attention. Yet he argues that switching the behaviour and not the mindset is at best a partial success:

A role model who diverts someone from becoming a ruthless, money-oriented drug dealer has done well. But unless the underlying values towards money are challenged, the person may simply become an equally ruthless banker or mortgage broker.

But neither does he embrace moralistic preachiness:

Hackneyed, idealistic accounts of morality and principle are not the answer. I have seen the young eyes glaze over, or the texting start, as you talk about working hard and “giving back”. Most young people are not interested in a lecture on morality and austerity from an older person in a much more comfortable position than them. They want to know how they can live a similarly comfortable life.

It’s a good article, ultimately arguing that the best role models are those who can impart practical life skills and give meaningful answers to real problems.

In other words, it ain’t easy, and requires listening to what young people say their real concerns are. Sound stuff.