> Cultural norms can also encourage poverty cycles.
I often wonder about these.
Growing up I watched friends whose families had what you might describe as a cultural distrust of institutions, including schools, or even anyone who seemed to “think they’re better than us” (translation anyone who did well in school or a career).
They constantly made self defeating choices and seemed destined to have the same problems/ poverty as their parents.
Their distrust of institutions like schools could maybe be justified… but they were capable people who made choices that reduced their opportunities.
As an adult I watch my local schools reach out to provide services, help of all kinds and struggle to find more than a handful of takers or folks who want to try…
By no means does that mean there are no other barriers, but even trying to address those barriers/ help, you can encounter some surprising resistance/ challenges.
I often wonder about these.
Growing up I watched friends whose families had what you might describe as a cultural distrust of institutions, including schools, or even anyone who seemed to “think they’re better than us” (translation anyone who did well in school or a career).
They constantly made self defeating choices and seemed destined to have the same problems/ poverty as their parents.
Their distrust of institutions like schools could maybe be justified… but they were capable people who made choices that reduced their opportunities.
As an adult I watch my local schools reach out to provide services, help of all kinds and struggle to find more than a handful of takers or folks who want to try…
By no means does that mean there are no other barriers, but even trying to address those barriers/ help, you can encounter some surprising resistance/ challenges.