Theories of Poverty: A Critical Review

Abstract

The study reviewed literature on the theories of poverty. The theories reviewed included theory of individual deficiencies, theory of cultural beliefs, theory of economic, political and social distortions, theory of geographical disparities, and theory of cumulative and cyclical dependencies. The theories were analysed, criticised and measures that will bring the poor out of poverty were recommended.  Some of the recommended solutions included: encouraging the poor to embrace self-help strategies, replacing the culture with one that encourages hard work and investment, changing the system for the better, improving infrastructure and local industries competitiveness, and developing comprehensive programmes that will help the poor to be self-sufficient.

Key words: Poverty, Cultural beliefs, Individual deficiencies, Geographical disparities, Economic, political, and structural f actors, psychological theories, sociological theories.

DOI: 10.7176/JPID/48-08