Discuss the three basic reasons that poverty persists according to sociological research. In a few sentences, explain why each factor contributes to the perpetuation of poverty.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

but should identify the three reasons that poverty persists. First, that poverty is built into the capitalist system, and most systems are capitalist today. This is true because capitalism seeks to maximize profits by keeping wages low and hiring as few workers as possible. This means that people have to compete for work and there is often not enough work to go around for everyone. Second, poverty persists because there is competition among social classes that encourages some elite groups to enhance their position by limiting the ability of other groups to access resources. Those who cannot gain access to opportunities or resources end up poor. Third, although the government often acts to reduce poverty or to reduce its effects, people often believe that poverty is not the fault of the system but instead is the fault of the poor person who isn’t trying hard enough. As long as a society believes that the poor are undeserving of help, the amount of help a government offers the poor is limited and may not offset the needs of the poor.