Limited Resources, Hidden Rules and Poverty

Every person survives by the acquisition of resources and families are sustained by the amount of resources they gain. Along with those resources, the know-how – hidden rules are what they use to govern the use and pursuit of more resources needed to continue surviving. Poverty is determined by resources and knowledge of the rules in society. In this paper, resources that determine poverty, hidden class rules and poverty in children and schools will be discussed.

Resources

It is said that, “poverty is the extent to which an individual does without resources” (Payne, 2005, p.7); though most will argue that money is the biggest resource determining poverty. From the readings it shows there are 8 resources that contribute to a person in or out of poverty. Along with financial resources, role models and support systems are two resources, or the lack there of, that greatly influence a person in poverty. It can be seen through youth outreach and community programs that the influences of positive role models do make a positive impact on youth, even those living in poverty. A role model can help reshape the mindset of a child who may be impoverished. Role models ultimately may supplement some of the other resources children are lacking such as emotional and mental support.

Role models fall in line beside support systems because the lack of a support system would include the lack of a role model. Support systems are systems that can help aid or serve an individual in a time of necessity. There are positive support systems and there are pseudo support systems, such as gangs. Cohesive families and individuals with resources that will help are the type of resources missing in the realm of impoverished people.

Poverty is a combination o...

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...s in both poverty situations, acting out is a response to their frustration.

Poverty is perpetuated by the lack of resources and the lack of knowledge of hidden rules. These two factors keep the cycle of poverty going and until resources are reallocated and partnerships and communities are brought together with knowledge, the youth will continue to suffer and keep it going. As educators, the ability to enlighten students on these rules and to help form partnerships within impoverished communities through seeking help from various networks will be a great starting point to helping correct the plight of poverty and the children suffering from it.

Works Cited

Duncan, G. J., & Brooks-Gunn, J. (1997). Consequences of Growing Up Poor. New York, NY: Russel Sage Foundations.

Payne, R. (2005). A framework for understanding poverty. Highlands, TX: aha! Process, Inc.