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Culture of Poverty

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7 views2 pages

Culture of Poverty

Uploaded by

p18631801
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The "culture of poverty" is a concept introduced by anthropologist Oscar Lewis in the

1950s and 1960s. It refers to a set of beliefs, values, and behaviors that arise in
impoverished communities as a response to systemic socio-economic conditions. This
culture can perpetuate cycles of poverty across generations. Here’s a detailed
exploration of the concept:

Key Features of the Culture of Poverty

Adaptation to Economic Hardship:

1. People living in poverty often develop adaptive strategies to cope with their
circumstances. This can lead to behaviors that, while practical in the short term,
may hinder long-term economic advancement. For example, reliance on informal
economies or temporary jobs rather than stable employment can become
normalized.

Distrust of Institutions:

1. Individuals from impoverished backgrounds may develop a general distrust of


government and social institutions due to previous experiences of neglect or
exploitation. This distrust can discourage them from seeking help or utilizing
available resources, further entrenching their situation.

Fatalism and Hopelessness:

1. A sense of fatalism—a belief that one’s situation is beyond control—often emerges.


This mindset can lead to a lack of motivation to pursue education or job
opportunities, as individuals may feel that their efforts will not lead to meaningful
change.

Focus on Immediate Gratification:

1. Individuals may prioritize immediate needs and desires over future planning due to
a lack of resources and the uncertainty of tomorrow. This focus can lead to
decisions that undermine future stability, such as spending limited funds on short-
term pleasures instead of saving or investing in education.

Examples of the Culture of Poverty

Urban Poverty:

1. In urban settings, communities may develop informal economies (e.g., street


vending) as a means of survival. While this can provide immediate income, it often
lacks stability and benefits, trapping individuals in low-paying jobs with little
opportunity for advancement.

Rural Poverty:

1. In rural areas, families may rely on subsistence farming, which can limit their
economic mobility. Cultural beliefs surrounding land ownership and inheritance can
perpetuate cycles of poverty, where families remain dependent on low-yield
agricultural practices.

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