The sociologist Susan Mayer, in What Money Can't Buy, studied poverty and welfare and concluded that raising parental income had little effect on the future life chances of children born in poverty. Instead, she concluded that character traits in parents like "diligence, honesty, good health, and reliability" lead to increased achievement in children. Which theory do her conclusions support?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mayer's conclusions support the culture of poverty theory, which suggests that poverty is perpetuated by the values and behaviors passed down within families, not just by the economic circumstances. Her focus on character traits aligns with the idea that cultural factors within impoverished communities contribute to the ongoing cycle of poverty.

The Sociologist Susan Mayer, in What Money Can't Buy, Studied