THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES - CONFLICT

What are the basic assumptions of the Conflict Perspective on poverty?

• Poverty results from society's failure to fairly distribute resources and opportunities.

• The poor should not be blamed for their poverty; they are victims of the system.

• The failure to eradicate poverty is due to:

  • The poor having a disadvantaged position in the labor market.

  • The existence of a stratification system that limits mobility.

  • Capitalism itself, which creates and maintains poverty.

How does the labor market contribute to poverty?

There is a large market so many poor individuals are employed but earn wages too low to meet their needs.

What did Abigail McKnight say about low pay and poverty?

Low pay and poverty are interconnected throughout life.

• Childhood poverty leads to low wages in adulthood.

• Persistent low wages result in long-term poverty.

• Low-paid workers are more likely to experience poverty in old age.

What are the causes of low wages and persistent poverty?

What are the causes of low wages and persistent poverty?

What is David Byrne’s (1999) concept of the "reserve army of labor"?

• A large group of unemployed individuals willing to work for lower wages.

• This keeps wages low because employers can easily replace workers.

• The economy forces workers to shift between low-paying jobs based on employers' needs.

How does social stratification contribute to poverty?

• Poverty is tied to class differences.

• Peter Townsend (1979) argues that class determines access to resources.

• The poor lack wealth and prestige, which limits job opportunities and social mobility.

How does capitalism create and sustain poverty?

• Some Marxists argue that poverty benefits the ruling class.

• Capitalism requires a motivated workforce, so wages provide an incentive to work.

• The unemployed must receive lower incomes than wage earners because they are desperate.

• J.C. Kincaid (1973): Low wages at the bottom of the scale keep wages low throughout the economy.

7. Why does competition among workers

Why does competition among workers reinforce poverty?

• Workers compete for jobs and wages, keeping salaries low.

• Unequal wages create divisions among workers, making it harder for them to challenge the system.

What are the strengths of the Conflict Perspective on poverty?

It explains why poverty persists in capitalist societies, by highlighting the role of power, class structure, and labor market inequalities.

What are the limitations of the Conflict Perspective on poverty?

• It does not fully explain why some individuals or groups are more likely to be poor.

• It does not distinguish between the poor and other members of the working class.

• It focuses too much on structural issues and ignores personal factors.