Theories of Poverty

SOC Final Exam

What do structural-level theories of poverty focus on?

How broader societal factors - like economic inequality, job access, education systems, and discrimination - create an maintain poverty

According to structural explanations, who or what is responsible for poverty?

The structure of society itself - systems and institutions that create unequal opportunities

List 3 examples of structural causes of poverty

• Unequal market incomes (economic inequality)

• Limited job opportunities

• Inadequate access to quality education

• Systemic discrimination

Why might structural forces be difficult for people to recognize?

Because they are often invisible in day-to-day life and less observable than individual behavior

What do individual-level theories of poverty emphasize?

Personal characteristics and choices, such as lack of education, poor decision making, limited skills, or weak work ethic

Who does the individual-level theory hold responsible for poverty?

The individual, rather than society or institutions

Why do most Americans tend to favor individual-level explanations?

• Structural forces are harder to see

• It gives a sense of personal control

• It aligns with interests of those who benefit from the current system

How do these theories affect social policy?

They lead to harsher policies aimed at changing individual behavior, rather than addressing systemic issues

What is Human Capital Theory?

A theory that suggest individuals can escape poverty by investing in their own education and training to increase productivity and earnings

What is the basis formula in Human Capital Theory?

Learn More —→ Increase Skills —→ Earn More

Is Human Capital Theory an individual or structural explanation

Individual-level explanation

What does the Culture of Poverty theory claim?

That people remain in poverty because of ingrained behaviors, values, and choices learned and passed down across generations

What policy outcomes can belief in a Culture of Poverty lead to?

Harsher policies that aim to reform personal behavior rather than address systemic barriers

Is the Culture of Poverty theory more aligned with structural or individual explanations?

Individual