Which theory determines poverty as a psychological problem of separated classes in society?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is Distancing theory.
1. The Distancing theory posits that poverty is not just an economic or social issue but a psychological problem that arises due to the separation of classes in society. People from lower socioeconomic backgrounds tend to distance themselves psychologically from the higher social classes due to feelings of inferiority, shame, and stigma. This theory argues that people in poverty may exhibit a psychological separation, distancing their personal identity from the wealthier or more privileged classes, which may affect their mental well-being, social interactions, and overall coping strategies.
2. The concept of distancing can lead to feelings of hopelessness, disengagement, and powerlessness, which exacerbate the issues of poverty, further alienating individuals from opportunities for social and economic mobility. This view sees poverty as a self-reinforcing cycle, where psychological distancing prevents individuals from seeking or achieving upward mobility in society.

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Distancing Theory
1.1. Distancing theory views poverty as a psychological issue that is rooted in the social separation between different classes in society. It suggests that individuals living in poverty experience psychological distancing from the upper or middle classes due to cultural differences, stereotypes, and negative perceptions.
1.2. This theory asserts that social identity is influenced by class distinctions. As people in poverty see themselves as socially inferior, they may psychologically distance themselves from wealthier groups in order to protect their self-esteem. This distancing can also manifest as a lack of motivation or belief in the possibility of moving up the social ladder.
1.3. The psychological effect of distancing leads to social isolation, making it harder for individuals to feel connected to mainstream society or to participate in opportunities for social mobility.
1.4. Social exclusion is a core feature of this theory, where individuals in poverty see themselves as separate from those in higher classes, potentially leading to feelings of alienation, hopelessness, and depression.

Additional Information

2. Attribution Theory
2.1. Attribution theory focuses on how people interpret and explain their own and others’ behaviors. It was primarily developed by Fritz Heider and later expanded by Harold Kelley and Bernard Weiner.
2.2. According to attribution theory, when individuals fail to achieve success or experience failure, they tend to attribute the cause to either internal factors (such as lack of ability or effort) or external factors (such as bad luck or unfavorable circumstances).
2.3. In relation to poverty, attribution theory suggests that individuals may attribute their poverty to personal failings (e.g., laziness or lack of ambition) or external factors (e.g., economic systems or discrimination). This is more about how people perceive the causes of poverty rather than the psychological separation caused by social class.

3. Depletable Self-Control Theory
3.1. The Depletable self-control theory, proposed by Baumeister and colleagues, suggests that self-control is a limited resource that depletes over time. This theory posits that people who experience high levels of stress or have to exert significant amounts of effort to control their impulses are more likely to make decisions that are impulsive or self-destructive.
3.2. In the context of poverty, this theory explains that financial difficulties, the stress of meeting basic needs, and the psychological toll of living in poverty can deplete self-control. As a result, individuals might engage in behaviors that exacerbate their financial and social difficulties, such as making impulsive purchases or poor financial decisions.
3.3. This theory connects to poverty in the sense that individuals in poverty may face chronic stress that limits their ability to make sound decisions, contributing to their entrenchment in poverty.

4. Multiple Factor Theory of Poverty
4.1. The Multiple factor theory of poverty suggests that poverty is caused by a combination of factors, rather than a single cause. These factors can include economic, social, psychological, and environmental elements.
4.2. According to this theory, individuals in poverty may be affected by factors such as low education, lack of job opportunities, social exclusion, and poor access to healthcare, which all combine to perpetuate the cycle of poverty.
4.3. Unlike the Distancing theory, which focuses more on the psychological impact of class separation, the Multiple factor theory looks at the broader set of circumstances that contribute to and sustain poverty over time.