ABSTRACT
The stigma of poverty is a class-based form of disrepute that is built into the hegemonic structure of stratification in American society. Under capitalism, intelligence and hard work breed success, and success is a sign of virtue; poverty implies failure, and failure is impious, a kind of vice—virtually a sin. The poverty-stricken find their character impugned because of their poverty. Nearly everywhere they go, the poor are reminded of their inferior economic condition; virtually everyone agrees that it’s worse to be poor than affluent. Thus, perceived stigma is very nearly universal; one may not agree that one deserves to be stigmatized, but many do, and it is difficult to avoid these people and their influence. Poverty, stigma, and a lack of education indicate powerlessness and substantial marginality from the society’s cultural and economic center. Most people in an achievement-oriented society look down on persons unable to rise on the economic ladder and remain mired in deep, stagnating, permanent poverty. They pity and feel sorry for such people—although they are moved by sentiments of compassion as well—and don’t want to remain in their company for very long, or at all. Achievement-oriented societies tend to stigmatize the poor; the vast majority of Americans hold success dear, and that is a value which the poor have failed to attain. Even in societies with democratic, equalitarian ideals, shame and humiliation are likely to accompany poverty. For the most part, the affluent and economically well off tend to feel superior to the poor who, in turn, tend to feel inferior to the more well off. Being poor is, by itself, a deviant condition, as are all of the analogues of poverty—unemployment, welfare, homelessness, ill health, and, worst of all, begging.
