Question

Schiller, in his article (from Book: The Economics of Poverty and Discrimination, Tenth Edition, Chapter 1), covers 3 different traditional approaches to poverty: the flawed character approach, the restricted opportunity approach, and the big brother approach. Please define and explain these approaches. What are the shortcomings of these explanations? What do they miss?

This paper should be no longer than two pages single-spaced. It can be shorter. I am looking forward to reading your responses!

Answer 1

The flawed character theory of poverty blames individual for own poverty and a person has  full control over his socio economic status.This theory maintains that the culture of poverty develops among the poor , so that the poor are not ready to take the opportunitunities that are available  to them .

The restricted opportunities approach maintain that the poor do not get enough opportunities to come out of poverty ie they lack opportunittes and avoidance of poverty is impossible.This can only be possible if their economic opportunities improve.This is not the person's fault at all but something out of control keeps them in poverty.

The big brotheropportunity theory of poverty blames  the government for poverty. It says the welfare programs of the government reduces the incentive of the people to work.

Different authors distinguish between different theories of poverty.The different theories are deviating from each other.The first theory which focus on the individual as the main cause of his poverty is misleading and misdirected.It is argued that  hard work can avoid this problem.The second theory which states that once the culture of poverty exist . it sustains among the poor and so they are unready to take the advantage of the opportunities The perpetuation of cultural values is subject to controversy and the concern is the cause of perpetuation of poverty.So this is baseless as a person can come out of poverty through his own decisionby taking the davantages that come his way ..In the big brother argument, political and economic interests are seen.

All the theories miss that structural failings of the economic, political and .social system are in fact the causes of poverty .