In the first two parts of this series of articles the economic and social aspects of poverty were explored; causes and effects of poverty were examined, and the opinions of various expert individuals and reputable agencies and groups were articulated. The problem of the existence of a cycle of poverty was delved into within the context of Guyana’s current political, economic, and social realities.
In this third article of the series, the psychological aspect of the problem will be highlighted. More specifically, the mindset of the individual who is trapped in the cycle of poverty will be looked at.
Psychologists say that there is a mental state called the “poverty mindset” that keeps people from escaping from the cycle of poverty. Those experts assert that if a person has a poverty mindset, he or she can never escape from the cycle of poverty even if external economic and social realities give that person the opportunity to do so. This is the case, because a person with a poverty mindset will simply refuse to grasp, recognise, or take advantage of such opportunities.
What is the poverty mindset?
Alan Weiss, PhD described the poverty mindset as, “one that influences behaviors consistent with beliefs that money shouldn’t be spent, opportunities are limited, any risk at all is dangerous, any success is temporary and non-replicable, and generally remaining in the back of the pack is safest.”
In other words, a person with a poverty mindset – also called a poverty mentality – sees the world only in a negative light. Such a person is always pessimistic. Therefore, that person will never take the risk of grasping opportunities because he or she is psychologically stuck.
Dr. Weiss explained that, “Poverty mindset is living in scarcity and in fear that there will never be enough. It is living in fear that things will never work out, that even what you have now can be taken from you at any moment and that wealth is beyond your reach. It is holding on to the belief that some people are already born into wealth and the rest are doomed to suffer the woes of poverty for life.”
What are the signs of a poverty mindset?
Researchers say that the following traits may indicate the existence of a poverty mindset:
- Feeling guilty as soon as you buy something
- Being constantly worried about money or thinking about it often
- Having a strong dislike of ‘rich’ people, yet wanting to be just like them
- Making decisions based on fear
- Always thinking small rather than thinking big
Psychologists say that such a mental state always holds a person back from living a full and happy life. A poor mindset will stop people from reaching their full potential in their jobs and careers.
When a person has a poverty mentality, their mindset is fixed on a solid belief that everything — not just money — is hard to get. In other words, it is overwhelmingly challenging to make any money, get ahead in a career, make friends, or achieve anything at all. Everything in life is viewed as a struggle or an uphill battle.
The person with a poverty mentality lives in a constant state of fear; he or she has little confidence, and low sense of self-worth. Because of this, the person – if they make a decision – may make a bad choice, after all, one cannot make balanced decisions if one’s view of reality is distorted.
What causes a poverty mindset?
Research shows that poverty mentality is commonly found in people who have experienced poverty in childhood. We know poverty is certainly a barrier to enjoying happiness and financial security, but, once a poverty mentality becomes fixed, fear prevents a person from reaching out to learn new behavior.
Can a person break out of a poverty mindset?
The answer is, yes; it is possible to consciously change how one thinks. Of course, it may not be easy. In the case of a mindset, it will certainly take some effort, but it pays off.
Obviously, the first steps in the process of change is the recognition that the problem exists, and making the deliberate decision to remove the negative mindset and replace it with a positive outlook. Once this is done, experts say that particular steps should be taken.
This publication recommends the following website with regard to getting rid of a poverty mindset:
https://vista.today/2022/08/stop-living-poverty-mindset/
In the next article in this series, the relationships among the social, economic, and psychological factors will be explored. Additionally, in the context of Guyana, the possibility that political or other interests may deliberately work to keep sections of society in poverty, will be examined.
