There are two specific explanations of poverty: According to the individualistic explanation, those living in poverty have personal problems and deficiencies that are responsible for their poverty, or the blaming-the-victim approach. According to the structural explanation, or the blaming-the-system approach, poverty stems from problems in American society that lead to a lack of equal opportunity and a lack of jobs.
Post to the discussion forum by responding to the prompt below:
Discussing poverty in the United States, which individualist or structural view makes more sense to you? Explain why?
Full Answer Section
However, there is no evidence to support these stereotypes. In fact, research has shown that poor people are often very hardworking and resourceful. They simply face many challenges that make it difficult to get ahead.
Here are some specific reasons why I believe the structural view of poverty makes more sense:
- Poverty is concentrated in certain groups of people. For example, people of color, women, and single parents are more likely to live in poverty. This suggests that poverty is not caused by individual failings, but by broader social and economic factors that disproportionately affect these groups of people.
- Poverty is often passed down from generation to generation. This suggests that poverty is not caused by individual failings, but by structural factors that make it difficult for people to escape poverty.
- Poverty rates vary widely from country to country. This suggests that poverty is not caused by individual failings, but by factors that are specific to different societies.
Of course, there are some individual factors that can contribute to poverty, such as mental illness, addiction, and lack of education. However, these factors are not the root cause of poverty. They are often the result of poverty itself.
For example, people who are living in poverty are more likely to experience mental illness and addiction. This is because they are more likely to be exposed to trauma and stress. They are also less likely to have access to adequate healthcare and social services.
Similarly, people who are living in poverty are less likely to have access to quality education. This is because they are more likely to live in poor neighborhoods with underfunded schools. They are also more likely to have to work to support themselves and their families, which leaves them with less time for school.
In conclusion, I believe that the structural view of poverty makes more sense than the individualistic view. The structural view recognizes that poverty is caused by broader social and economic forces, such as discrimination, lack of access to education and employment, and low wages. The individualistic view, on the other hand, blames poor people for their own poverty. This view is often based on stereotypes and misconceptions about poor people.
Here are some things that can be done to address the structural causes of poverty:
- Invest in education and job training programs. This will help people develop the skills they need to get good-paying jobs.
- Increase the minimum wage. This will help ensure that everyone who works full-time is able to earn a living wage.
- Expand access to affordable housing and healthcare. This will help people meet their basic needs and avoid falling into poverty.
- Provide tax breaks and other incentives to businesses that create jobs in low-income communities. This will help to create more economic opportunities in these communities.
By addressing the structural causes of poverty, we can create a more just and equitable society for everyone.
Sample Answer
To me, the structural view of poverty makes more sense than the individualistic view. The structural view recognizes that poverty is not caused by the individual failings of poor people, but by broader social and economic forces. These forces include things like discrimination, lack of access to education and employment, and low wages.
The individualistic view of poverty, on the other hand, blames poor people for their own poverty. This view is often based on stereotypes and misconceptions about poor people. For example, some people believe that poor people are lazy or unmotivated. Others believe that poor people are simply making bad choices.