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Causes of Poverty: Individual or Societal?

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You are meeting with a few members of city council and the agenda is focused on social services for the poor. You find yourself engaged in a heated debate.

A. Some members cite that the culture of poverty thesis suggests that the poor are largely responsible for their own poverty.

B. Others argue that this attitude essentially blames the victim and that, instead, poverty is caused by the society's unequal distribution of wealth.

Which position do you agree with and why? Support your position with facts wherever possible. Include references.

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Solution Summary

This solution examines the two positions on the causes of poverty: the individual is to blame vs. poverty is caused by the society's unequal distribution of wealth. Supplemented with an article on the causes of poverty.

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