Topic > Culture of Poverty Essay - 712

Without constant push and encouragement to improve oneself, no upward mobility is expected to occur. Once a group of individuals begins to rely on assistance from the government, neighbors, community programs, and for some criminal activity, in most situations it is very difficult to reverse these overcoming circumstances. The underclass is composed of a portion of the poor who are not only economically deprived, but who also exhibit a remarkably distinct set of values, perspectives, norms, and behaviors. The idea that not only will they not emerge from their specific economic situation, but they cannot do so, thus resorting to crime to support basic survival needs. This perspective then interferes with the ability of members of the lumpenproletariat to ascend