Culture of poverty

Definition

The culture of poverty is a social theory that suggests that poverty is not just an economic condition but also a way of life that affects attitudes, values, and behaviors of those living in poverty. This concept posits that individuals in impoverished communities develop their own cultural norms and practices that may hinder their ability to escape poverty, impacting future generations and creating a cycle of poverty.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The culture of poverty was first introduced by anthropologist Oscar Lewis in the 1950s, where he studied impoverished communities in Mexico and Puerto Rico.
2. Individuals raised in a culture of poverty may develop fatalistic attitudes, a lack of long-term planning, and limited trust in institutions, which can perpetuate their situation.
3. Critics argue that the culture of poverty theory can lead to victim-blaming, overlooking structural barriers like discrimination and economic inequality that contribute to poverty.
4. The theory emphasizes the role of family dynamics, social networks, and community values in shaping the experiences of those living in poverty.
5. Programs aimed at alleviating poverty often seek to address both the economic conditions and the cultural factors identified in the culture of poverty framework.

Review Questions

• How does the culture of poverty framework explain the behaviors and attitudes of individuals living in impoverished communities?
  • The culture of poverty framework explains that individuals living in impoverished communities often adopt specific behaviors and attitudes as a means of coping with their environment. These include a focus on immediate survival rather than long-term planning, which can be a response to unstable living conditions. Additionally, they may develop mistrust towards institutions like schools and government due to past negative experiences, perpetuating their situation as they feel disconnected from opportunities for improvement.
• Evaluate the implications of the culture of poverty theory on public policy initiatives designed to reduce poverty.
  • The culture of poverty theory has significant implications for public policy initiatives aimed at reducing poverty. Policies that focus solely on economic support may overlook the cultural dimensions that influence behavior and decision-making among those in poverty. A comprehensive approach would address both economic assistance and strategies to foster social capital and change cultural norms, ensuring that individuals have the tools and support necessary to escape the cycle of poverty.
• Critically analyze how the culture of poverty concept intersects with structural factors influencing economic mobility.
  • The culture of poverty concept intersects with structural factors by highlighting how individual behaviors are often shaped by broader systemic issues like education access, job opportunities, and discrimination. While cultural attitudes can impact economic mobility, these behaviors do not exist in isolation from the structural barriers that impede progress. A critical analysis reveals that addressing only the cultural aspects without reforming structural inequalities will likely fail to produce sustainable change, suggesting that effective strategies must encompass both dimensions to truly enhance economic mobility for those affected by poverty.

Related terms

Social Capital: The networks of relationships among people in a society that enable individuals to gain access to resources and support, which can help improve their economic situation.

Structural Poverty: A concept that focuses on systemic factors contributing to poverty, such as economic inequality, lack of access to education, and institutional discrimination.

Economic Mobility: The ability of individuals or families to improve their economic status, often measured by income or wealth changes over time.