Capitalist Exploitation: Marxists view poverty as an inherent feature of capitalism rather than a functional necessity. They argue that the bourgeoisie (owners) exploit the proletariat (workers) by paying low wages to maximize profits, inevitably leading to poverty for the working class.
Reserve Army of Labour: Poverty maintains a 'reserve army' of unemployed or underemployed people. This surplus of labor keeps wages low because workers know they can be easily replaced by someone desperate for any income.
Structural Inequality: Unlike functionalists who see inequality as a motivator, Marxists see it as a tool for class domination, where the wealthy use their power to maintain a system that keeps others in poverty.
Welfare Dependency: The New Right perspective, associated with thinkers like Charles Murray, suggests that overly generous welfare benefits create a 'culture of dependency.' They argue that state support discourages individuals from seeking employment, leading to long-term poverty.
The Underclass: This perspective identifies an 'underclass' characterized by a lack of traditional values, such as a commitment to work and stable family structures. They argue that this group is defined more by their behavior and attitudes than by their lack of money.
Individual Responsibility: The New Right emphasizes individual choices and cultural factors as the primary causes of poverty, suggesting that the solution lies in reducing welfare and encouraging self-reliance.
| Feature | Structural Explanations | Individual Explanations |
|---|---|---|
| Core Focus | Societal systems and institutions | Personal behavior and choices |
| Primary Cause | Lack of jobs, low wages, poor education | Lack of motivation, welfare dependency |
| Theoretical Root | Functionalism, Marxism | New Right, Culture of Poverty |
| Solution | Policy changes, wealth redistribution | Reducing benefits, changing attitudes |
Structural Explanations: These argue that poverty is caused by factors beyond an individual's control, such as economic recessions, the decline of manufacturing industries, or systemic failures in the education system that limit life chances.
Individual Explanations: These focus on the 'cycle of deprivation' or 'culture of poverty,' suggesting that individuals remain poor because they pass down values and behaviors that do not prioritize social mobility.
Identify the Perspective: When analyzing a scenario, look for keywords. 'Function,' 'motivation,' and 'stratification' signal Functionalism; 'exploitation,' 'capitalism,' and 'class' signal Marxism; 'dependency' and 'values' signal the New Right.
Compare Definitions: Be prepared to explain why a researcher might choose relative poverty over absolute poverty in a developed nation. Use Peter Townsend's work as a reference for the importance of social participation.
Evaluate the Underclass: When discussing the underclass, always provide a counter-argument. For example, contrast the New Right's focus on behavior with the Social Democratic view that the underclass is a victim of structural unemployment.
Check for Nuance: Avoid saying 'poverty is bad' in an essay. Instead, use sociological terms like 'poverty limits life chances' or 'poverty serves a functional role in maintaining social order.'
