Oscar Lewis Culture Of Poverty
Critique the culture of poverty thesis
Oscar Lewis introduced his idea of “a culture of poverty” in 1958. He developed the theory as a result of his work with the poor in Mexico and Puerto Rico. Culture of poverty is defined as a set of beliefs and values thought to exist among the poor which prevents them from escaping poverty (Browne 2010). For the purpose of this assignment the culture of poverty thesis will be discussed and the impact of poverty on the individuals mental health. The culture of poverty theory suggests that it is the traits of the poor themselves, which sustain poverty and social exclusion. Lewis argues that the culture of poverty is a “design for living” which is passed on from one generation to the next. The components …show more content…
Individuals within this culture are pessimistic about the future; they seek instant gratification when they have money …show more content…
There is a strong link established between poverty and health, in particular mental health. Poverty, financial problems and social deprivation are the main socioeconomic risk factors for mental health problems and disorders (WHO 2011). The relationship between low economic status and higher incidences and pervasiveness of mental illness has become gradually more evident. Research suggests a direct link between the experience of poverty and a high rate of emotional disturbance, in addition to a degree of difference in availability and use of treatment modes and facilities by different social classes (Murali & Oyebode 2004). This may be caused by a lack of resources available to individuals experiencing poverty and/or the stigma attached to mental illness which renders them reluctant to seek treatment. The relationship between mental health and poverty is multifaceted and complicated. Predictably, considerable research has shown that people who experience unemployment, deprivation and family disruptions have a significantly greater risk of mental health problems, such as depression, alcohol and drug addiction, psychotic disorders and suicide, than their unaffected counterparts (WHO 2001). Subsequently individuals who live in poverty and experience mental health problems are more likely to descend further
Oscar Lewis introduced his idea of “a culture of poverty” in 1958. He developed the theory as a result of his work with the poor in Mexico and Puerto Rico. Culture of poverty is defined as a set of beliefs and values thought to exist among the poor which prevents them from escaping poverty (Browne 2010). For the purpose of this assignment the culture of poverty thesis will be discussed and the impact of poverty on the individuals mental health. The culture of poverty theory suggests that it is the traits of the poor themselves, which sustain poverty and social exclusion. Lewis argues that the culture of poverty is a “design for living” which is passed on from one generation to the next. The components …show more content…
Individuals within this culture are pessimistic about the future; they seek instant gratification when they have money …show more content…
There is a strong link established between poverty and health, in particular mental health. Poverty, financial problems and social deprivation are the main socioeconomic risk factors for mental health problems and disorders (WHO 2011). The relationship between low economic status and higher incidences and pervasiveness of mental illness has become gradually more evident. Research suggests a direct link between the experience of poverty and a high rate of emotional disturbance, in addition to a degree of difference in availability and use of treatment modes and facilities by different social classes (Murali & Oyebode 2004). This may be caused by a lack of resources available to individuals experiencing poverty and/or the stigma attached to mental illness which renders them reluctant to seek treatment. The relationship between mental health and poverty is multifaceted and complicated. Predictably, considerable research has shown that people who experience unemployment, deprivation and family disruptions have a significantly greater risk of mental health problems, such as depression, alcohol and drug addiction, psychotic disorders and suicide, than their unaffected counterparts (WHO 2001). Subsequently individuals who live in poverty and experience mental health problems are more likely to descend further