Sociological Perspectives On Poverty

Discussion of Poverty from a Sociological Perspective In society, poverty is a problem that has received continuing scrutiny by the public and many governments around the world. It normally refers to an unmet need of assets such as food, shelter, clothing, or money-related resources. There has been much evidence that shows its unfavorable consequences to the humanity, especially to those living in underdeveloped countries. To enhance the understanding of poverty, many scholars have thoroughly discussed it from different sociological, philosophical, psychological, and economic viewpoints. In particular, this paper is aimed at analyzing and discussing some key concepts associated with the perception of poverty from a sociological perspective.
In other words, the poverty is believed to result from their unacceptable individual behavior, fecklessness, or moral failings. Duncan, Magnuson, and Votruba-Drzal (2017) hold the position that the “culture of worklessness” of many poor people is the main factor that cause them not deserve to be supported. Many individuals or families have never worked even though they have the ability to. Therefore, when being asked for money by beggars on the street, many people may make an instant judgement whether or not those beggars are worthy of the payment. In some countries where an increased attention is paid to their welfare system, the link between poverty and individual behaviors is strong. To be more specific, Duncan, Magnuson, and Votruba-Drzal (2017) emphasize that poverty is related to many other social problems, such as unemployment and unfair welfare. From my point of view, not all unemployed people have to suffer from poverty and not all poor people are out of work. Hence, governments should investigate the reality and characteristics of the undeserving poor so that they can have suitable and fair unemployment and welfare
As mentioned previously, social competency is one of the factors that help people get rid of poverty. Abelev (2009) states that such a factor refers to one’s ability to interact effectively with people surrounding him or her. If people are socially competent, they can successfully maintain existing relationships as well as establish new ones in new environments. As an example, children with great social competency can make many new friends on their first day at school irrespective of their social class. It means that poor people who have the ability to socialize with others well are believed to transform their socioeconomic situation effectively. In addition, autonomy also plays a pivotal role in demonstrating the resilience. Abelev (2009) defines it as one’s ability to direct his or her life by establishing ambitious but attainable goals and making rational decisions. In other words, instead of feeling ashamed of their situation, many poor but autonomous people are confident to make a plan for their own