Define and discuss two different theories of poverty Essay

Define and discuss two different theories of poverty - Essay Example The main rationale for our constrained definition is that our focus would be on understanding the theories of poverty in this explorative paper. To develop an understanding of the theories of poverty, we look at the origins: individual and cultural. Therefore, in this paper, we focus on the individual and cultural origins of poverty. We explore each agenda from different research perspectives. This will help us develop a multi-dimensional lens through which we view the subject. We first explore the various factors in understanding poverty from the viewpoint of the Individual theory. Here we identify the interactions of the individual with others in society, the political and regulatory set-up. We also try and understand the psychographic and demographics of the individual and how these factors could affect poverty. The second part of our essay concentrates on identifying the cultural nuances that impact poverty. Again we study the theory from the viewpoint of the various forces that act on the cultural characteristics. We explore the interaction of culture with religion, politics and the structural issues that have influenced poverty. Towards the end, we summarize our perspectives and work on providing a balanced viewpoint. For an individual, poverty can be defined not only in monetary terms but also in terms of stunted capabilities which hamper the achievement of full human potential (Green 2006). Here, poverty amounts to a state of being in a zone of powerlessness and excluded from the decision making prerogatives that accompany people who are in better employment positions. If an individual belongs to this state, then that could possibly translate to living in unhygienic conditions, with poor access to education, healthcare and employment opportunities. We now trace the factors that could cause this existential state. The individual theory states that