Poverty: social control over our labor force

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to raise concern and discussion about poverty. This paper explores the difficulties of defining poverty and its origins. Design/methodology/approach This paper utilizes research from psychological and sociological literature to analyze differing schools of thought regarding poverty. A macro‐level perspective of poverty is defined and compared to a micro‐level perspective of poverty. The lack of conformity concerning these opposing schools of thought often impedes the development of solutions for poverty. Findings What society believes to be true about poverty will influence how society treats poverty. Some solutions to poverty may only perpetuate the problems of the impoverished depending on how poverty is operationally defined and its origins understood. Literary research is used to support a hypothesis that poverty exists in function to society to insure a readily available, low wage, labor force. Social implications The provided information regarding the impact of poverty on society and the individual could aid in the development of government and corporate solutions. Solutions for poverty could be enhanced and employed more accurately by examining the viewpoint of this author. Originality/value This paper is of importance for mental health practitioners, corporations, and government branches interested in treating the social effects of poverty.