Different theories of poverty include individual, systemic, geographical, and cyclical causes. Individualistic theories place responsibility on the economically disadvantaged, while systemic and geographic theories focus on political, economic, and infrastructure policies. Cyclical causes combine individual and systemic circumstances to explain poverty.
Different theories of poverty distinguish between individual, systemic, geographical and cyclical causes. Theories that attribute poverty to individual circumstances and choices tend to place sole responsibility on the economically disadvantaged. System and geographic theories of poverty focus on political, economic, and infrastructure policies. Cyclical causes combine individual and systemic circumstances to explain the causes of poverty.
One such theory states that bad economic circumstances are caused by an individual’s own choices. For example, it is the person who decides to take low-paying jobs by not seeking advanced educational training. This theory is mostly supported by political conservatives who tend to hold the responsibility of the poor to work hard and strive to better themselves. The individualistic school of thought tends to perpetuate the idea that self-motivation, determination, and persistence are required to achieve success, including financial stability and wealth.
Another of the individualistic theories of poverty focuses on the socioeconomic subcultures that develop in certain segments of the population. This theory perpetuates the idea that poor or working-class groups create and maintain certain attitudes, beliefs, and perspectives that keep them in poverty. For example, the idea that it is right and better to be cared for by welfare than to work full-time is considered a popular notion among some poor and working-class segments. Basically, this theory suggests that people’s attitudes, beliefs, and perspectives keep them in poverty as they see no other viable alternatives.
In terms of systematic theories of poverty, politically progressive thinking blames perpetuated inequalities in political, economic, and social systems. According to the theory, poverty can occur in certain segments of the population due to discrimination and systems that make it very difficult for that segment to cope. For example, single women with children have the dual responsibility of finding suitable work and taking care of their children. This group often faces discrimination in getting higher paying jobs while facing high childcare costs.
Another system theory of poverty states that some of it occurs due to poor infrastructure in some geographic areas. The quality of education can be low or inadequate in some regions, which puts these citizens at a disadvantage when it comes to securing better-paying and skilled jobs. Economic conditions can be poor, which means access to basic needs and employment are limited. An example of this is the history of poverty in the southern United States, which has traditionally been lacking in well-paying industries.
Cyclical theories combine individual and system forces to explain why some groups remain disadvantaged. For example, an individual may choose not to go to college. This in turn limits your ability to get a good paying job as most employers require a college degree for jobs. The economic and political system also keeps the minimum wage at a certain level, while the cost of living continues to rise. An individual may be forced to remain in poverty due to a combination of individual choices and poor macroeconomic circumstances.
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