“Culture of Poverty” was coined in an effort to address the poor. Unfortunately, it is also assumed the person was/is responsible for their condition and lacking a sophisticated culture of their own. Think from a universal perspective that the individuals that are categorized as different can include, African American, Immigrants, Poor Whites of Appalachia, Women, Children, etc. What is the problem with saying poor people experience a “Culture of Poverty?” What stereotypes can be developed if there is a belief in the absence of culture in poor communities? How would they be viewed as individuals that “do not” contribute to overall society? Irrespective of Urban or Rural what potential problems surface in providing services to these populations given the belief system of Culture of Poverty?
