"Poverty exists because poor people serve useful functions for society." Who is associated with this statement?

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Correct option is A

Herbert Gant

A sociologist, is known for his functional theory of poverty, which argues that poverty persists because it serves important social functions.

• In his 1971 work, "The Uses of Poverty: The Poor Pay All," he outlined several ways in which poverty benefits society, particularly the wealthy and middle classes.
• According to Gans, poverty persists not because of laziness or lack of ability, but because it serves economic, political, and social functions for dominant groups.
• His theory aligns with structural functionalism, which explains how social structures maintain equilibrium, even when inequality exists.

Information Booster:

• Functions of poverty (According to Gans):

  • Cheap labor supply: The poor take on low-wage, undesirable jobs, keeping production costs low.
  • Economic consumption: They contribute to the economy by consuming low-cost goods and services.
  • Job creation: Social workers, police, and welfare programs depend on the existence of poverty.
  • Political stability: The existence of poverty helps maintain class divisions and social hierarchy.
  • Cultural contributions: Many forms of art, music, and culture emerge from impoverished communities.

• Gans' perspective contrasts with Oscar Lewis' "Culture of Poverty" thesis, which argues that poverty is sustained by cultural patterns.

Additional Information:

• Barbara Ehrenreich (Option 2): A journalist and social critic, known for Nickel and Dimed (2001), which explores low-wage labor in America.
• Banfield and Lewis (Option 3): Refers to Edward Banfield and Oscar Lewis, both of whom focused on poverty and social structures.
• Oscar Lewis (Option 4): Developed the "Culture of Poverty" theory, arguing that poverty is perpetuated by values and behaviors passed across generations.